Imitators of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

Abstract

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is described by transient narrowing of the airways after exercise. It occurs in approximately 10% of the general population, while athletes may show a higher prevalence, especially in cold weather and ice rink athletes. Diagnosis of EIB is often made on the basis of self-reported symptoms without objective lung function tests, however, the presence of EIB can not be accurately determined on the basis of symptoms and may be under-, over-, or misdiagnosed. The goal of this review is to describe other clinical entities that mimic asthma or EIB symptoms and can be confused with EIB.

Figure 1

Pre- and post-exercise spirogram demonstrating a 19% fall in FEV1. A ≥ 10% fall is indicative of EIB.

Figure 2

Differential diagnosis algorithm for exercise-induced dyspnea.