A high proportion of athletic individuals suffer from allergic and respiratory disease(s) such as rhinitis (hay-fever) and exercise-induced asthma. Although not fully understood, it is thought that the increased rate and depth of breathing during heavy exercise and regular exposure to outdoor irritants and allergens may explain the increased prevalence in comparison to the general population. The impact or consequence of an allergy or asthma diagnosis in elite athletes is typically considered two-fold; firstly, in terms of maintaining athlete health and secondly in terms of optimising sporting performance. It is equally important, however, to consider the impact of allergy and asthma from a non-athletic perspective. The World Health Organisation (the primary international public health authority) have recently targeted a reduction in physical in-activity as a key global health priority – therefore the importance of establishing an accurate diagnosis to control symptoms, optimise disease management, and reduce barriers to exercise and physical activity engagement in the wider general population remains a priority. The proposed EAACI Task Force will therefore provide an up-to-date research informed position statement detailing the optimal approach to the diagnosis and management of allergic and respiratory disease in sport. The document will be structured as a concise practically-focussed source of reference for clinicians and healthcare practitioners encountering patients reporting exercise-related allergic and respiratory symptoms.

Chair: Oliver Price
Secretary: Maya Rukhadze