A high prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness in cross country skiers

The aim of the study was to evaluate prevalence and age-dependence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in cross country skiers. Methods. Twenty-nine cross-country skiers (14 males, 15 females aged 18 to 30 years; average age, 23.9 ± 3.4 years) were involved in the study. All athletes underwent pulmonary function tests (spirometry before and after inhalation of 400 μg of salbutamol, body plethysmography, diffusion test). Then, methacholine challenge test was performed. Results. In skiers, lung function data were higher compared to the reference vаlues calculated in accordance with the ECSC equations, 1993. Bronchial reversibility was found in 4 athletes (14%). Methacholine provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20) was > 4 mg/ml in 9 skiers (31%). Significant relationships were found between the atheltes’ age and BHR. Conclusion. Cross-country skiers have a high prevalence of BHR to methacholine. BHR increases with age.

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