Hidden asthma, the Holy Grail of professional sports

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects airways in the lungs. These tubes can become inflamed or for example more narrow which causes difficulties to breath. Main symptoms are coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For athletes, asthma can have an even greater impact on their performance and can cause challenges in performance if it is not detected early or in worse case, not detected at all. 

Prevalence of asthma in professional soccer players is higher than in the general population.

Asthma can be easily diagnosed based on a person's symptoms and medical history if the person’s situation is followed up. However, as flu type of symptoms come and go and they can be linked to various conditions such as regular seasonal flu, allergy or other sensitivity, it is difficult to know when these symptoms are caused by asthma or by something else. Due to these reasons, some individuals may have "hidden asthma." Hidden asthma is a term used to describe cases where a person has asthma, but their symptoms are not apparent or visible. Or these symptoms are not followed regularly and therefore the question of asthma is not even discussed. 

According to an article in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy, hidden asthma is a prevalent issue in elite athletes. The article highlights the importance of identifying hidden asthma in athletes, as it can significantly impact their performance and overall health. In the article "Asthma in Professional Soccer Players: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatment" by Martín-Rodríguez et al. the authors found that the prevalence of asthma in professional soccer players is higher than in the general population.

There are several factors that can contribute to hidden asthma in athletes. One of the most significant factors is the intense physical exertion that athletes go through, which can lead to the inflammation of the airways. This inflammation can cause asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Additionally, the environment in which athletes train and compete can also be a factor, with exposure to air pollution, pollen, or other allergies triggering asthma symptoms in individuals with underlying asthma.

Given the potential impact of hidden asthma on athletic performance, early detection is key. According to the Journal of Asthma and Allergy article, regular lung function testing, including spirometry and bronchial challenge tests, can be used to identify any underlying respiratory issues that may not be apparent based on symptoms alone. These tests can help identify asthma and other respiratory conditions and ensure that athletes receive the appropriate treatment.

Another important consideration for detecting hidden asthma in athletes is the role of education and awareness. By raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of asthma among athletes, coaches, and medical professionals, it is more likely that hidden asthma will be identified and managed appropriately. Athletes and coaches should be educated on the importance of reporting any respiratory issues, including coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Similarly, medical professionals should be aware of the potential impact of asthma on athletic performance and should consider testing athletes for asthma, even if they have not reported any symptoms. And of course, then there is the regular monitoring.

Today many of the asthma related symptoms are not regularly followed anywhere. Or if they are, different stakeholders make their records and notes in various databases and systematic follow-up is not possible. This makes the big picture blurry and unclear.

The diagnosis and management of hidden asthma in athletes can have a significant impact on their performance and overall health. Undiagnosed asthma can lead to a range of complications, including reduced endurance, decreased lung function, and increased risk of respiratory infections. By detecting hidden asthma early, athletes can receive the appropriate treatment, allowing them to manage their symptoms effectively and continue to excel in their sport.

Conclusion 

Hidden asthma is a significant issue for athletes, with the potential to impact their performance and overall health. Not to mention when competing with asthma without proper cure, the athlete is always giving others the winning option as he or she is not able to give her or his best. While detecting hidden asthma can be challenging, regular lung function testing, education, and awareness can help identify this condition early, allowing athletes to receive appropriate treatment and manage their symptoms effectively. Ultimately, early detection and management of hidden asthma can help athletes perform at their best, while maintaining their respiratory health. Cheapest way is to start with the monitoring. Get all health data in one place so that follow-up is easy and transparent.

Sources:

Nassar, J. S., Al-Shamsi, M., Al-Rifai, H., & Al-Maskari, F. (2020). The prevalence and impact of hidden asthma in elite athletes. Journal of Asthma and Allergy, 13, 593-600. https://doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S276543

Laing, B. M., & Ainsworth, B. E. (2016). Hidden Asthma and the Athlete. Sports health, 8(5), 414-418. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738116655225

Parsons, J. P., & Mastronarde, J. G. (2011). Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes. CHEST Journal, 139(2), 419-426. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.10-0181

Weiler, J. M., Bonini, S., Coifman, R., Craig, T. J., Delgado, L., Capão-Filipe, M., & Randolph, C. C. (2012). American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Work Group report

Martín-Rodríguez, F. J., Roa-Romero, L. M., Martínez-Sanchis, I., Barcala-Furelos, R., & García-Manso, J. M. (2020). Asthma in Professional Soccer Players: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatment. Journal of Asthma and Allergy, 13, 751-763. doi:10.2147/JAA.S269134

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