Sport Asthma

Sport Asthma researches Allergy and Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA) and offers a testing service to diagnose those affected. Our aim is to help athletes maximise performance and maintain optimal health through quick and accurate diagnosis of airborne allergy and EIA.

The physical effects of allergy can significantly affect athletic performance. In the lung, allergy can trigger asthma, in the nose, rhinitis; in the skin, urticaria; in the eyes, conjunctivitis. Allergic disease has also been associated with fatigue depression and reduced cognition. 50% of asthma is triggered by airborne allergens (aeroallergens).

90% of asthmatics experience EIA, but EIA also affects up to 40% of otherwise 'healthy' athletes who do not complain of respiratory problems. EIA can be exacerbated by seasonal variation in aeroallergens e.g. tree pollens during the early part of the year, flower pollens later in the year.

Untreated, EIA can compromise sporting performance and also represents a potential health risk in athletes. As a result, many teams are considering a screening programme for the detection of EIA, in an effort to optimise each athlete's potential while maintaining their health.

The International Olympic Committee-Medical Commission guidelines recommend Eucapnic Voluntary Hyperpnoea (EVH) as the preferred diagnostic method for EIA, and it is this test that is offered by Sport Asthma. We have developed unique mobile EVH testing equipment for EVH that allows us to conduct testing at clubs' and teams' training grounds. 

Sport Asthma is supported by Allergy UK, the leading medical charity for people with allergy, and is a preferred provider of asthma testing by the UK Anti-Doping Agency. Testing is quick and easy and can be conducted at our laboratories or in work premises using our portable testing equipment. The test is accompanied by an immediate printout of results, clearly indicating positive or negative for EIA.

For more information about Sport Asthma, please visit our website at www.sportasthma.co.uk