Exercise-Induced Asthma May Be More Common In Regular Exercisers Than Previous Studies Suggest, Researchers Say

INDIANAPOLIS -- The incidence of exercise-induced asthma in regular exercisers may be higher than previously believed, according to information reported at the American Lung Association/American Thoracic Society International Conference by researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Chronic asthma affects 4 percent to 7 percent of the general population and 80 percent of these individuals have exercise-induced asthma (EIA). But, earlier studies of EIA in athletes showed that 11 percent of Americans who participated in the 1984 Summer Games experienced EIA. A more recent study at Indiana University School of Medicine of elite figure skaters showed that 43 of the 124 tested (36 percent) had EIA.

Edward T. Mannix, Ph.D., led researchers at the IU School or Medicine, in conjunction with the National Institute for Fitness and Sport in Indianapolis. They hypothesized that non-athlete members of a training facility who exercise regularly would display a higher incidence of EIA than the population at large.

Tests were performed on 39 volunteers who exercise regularly. The volunteers, 21 women and 18 men with an average age of 33, were caused to hyperventilate for five minutes, thus recreating the physical effects of a strenuous workout. Of those participating, 14 individuals (36 percent) tested positive for EIA, leading researchers to conclude that exercise-induced asthma might have a higher prevalence than previously estimated.

EIA is defined as a decrease in lung function following vigorous exercise. It is believed to be caused by the movement of air in the airways which dries the mucous linings and causes a change in the chemical composition of the airway, triggering the onset of asthma symptoms. Asthma symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and a tightness in the chest.

“The results of this research may help alert regular exercisers and their physicians that this problem is more wide-spread than previously thought and it may, hopefully, result in increased screening and treatment for this disease,” said Dr. Mannix.

The 1998 American Lung Association/American Thoracic Society International Conference will be held April 24-29 in Chicago. The conference is the largest annual scientific meeting in the world focusing on respiratory disease and critical care medicine. More than 15,000 pulmonary physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals from around the world are expected to attend.

Contact: Mary Hardin
317-274-7722
mhardin@iupui.edu

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