Addressing Asthma and ExerciseInduced Bronchoconstriction Challenges

Management and prescription for the treatment of asthma and exerciseinduced bronchoconstriction (EIB) remain challenging due to the risk of exceeding dose limits set out by general guidelines and antidoping regulations, according to data presented in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports by Morten Hostrup and colleagues. Although early diagnosis and management have reduced the negative impact of asthma and EIB on sports performance among athletes, managing treatment is often a delicate balance. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) permits common treatments for managing asthma and EIB, but it has applied special rules to beta2-agonists and glucocorticoids to protect athletes’ health and prevent misuse for the purpose of performance enhancement. The authors state better management with novel therapies targeting the production and release of the mediators of bronchoconstriction may reduce the role of inhaled beta2-agonists in the management of asthma and EIB in athletes in the future.