Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Are former athletes more prone to asthma?
Cristiano Batista1, José M Soares
1Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. cristianohxbatista@gmail.com
Summary
Former athletes, particularly those in indoor sports, show a lower risk of asthma symptoms compared to non-athletes. However, longer athletic careers are associated with increased respiratory symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma and exercise-induced asthma are significant health concerns.
- Understanding the long-term respiratory health of athletes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare asthma prevalence and respiratory symptoms between former athletes and non-athletes.
- To investigate factors influencing asthma risk in former athletes.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study involving 627 participants: elite athletes, non-elite athletes, and non-athletes.
- Data collected included demographic, behavioral, and asthma history, alongside current respiratory symptoms.
Main Results:
- Non-athletes reported a higher prevalence of exercise-associated respiratory symptoms.
- Indoor athletes had a lower risk of asthma compared to outdoor athletes (OR=0.48).
- Former elite and non-elite athletes exhibited fewer asthma-related symptoms than non-athletes; longer careers (>20 years) correlated with more symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Non-athletes appear to have a higher incidence of respiratory symptoms.
- Athletic career duration is a key factor, with prolonged careers linked to increased respiratory symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma