Care Allergy Defence - Hayfever and Sport Report

Hayfever & Sport
Effects of Hayfever
on sports performance &
elite sports
(Continued)
2. Increased exposure and increased inhalation of
pollen and spores
The increased breathing rate required in many sports
means that notably more pollen and spores will be inhaled
leading to an increase in allergen levels entering the nose
compared to when at rest. This will typically result in
symptoms being triggered (whereas at rest allergen levels
would be below thresholds) or, more severe symptoms occurring.
If the sporting activity involves speed e.g. cycling, more pollen and
spores will impact on the eyes.
3. Air pollution - Increased exposure and inhalation
Increased breathing rates when exercising will increase exposure to air pollution. Certain
types of air pollution, such as ozone, act as irritants to the respiratory tract causing stinging,
itching and coughing and make the symptoms of hay fever seem worse. Other pollutants
such as NOx affect the cilia in the respiratory tract and slow mucocilary clearance so that
allergens stay in the nose longer. Pollution from diesel exhaust can also affect the
permeability of membranes and enhance the allergic reaction (Hajat
et al. 2001, Heinrich et al. 1998, Lindgren et al. 2009,
Morgenstern et al. 2008).
4. Restrictions on medication
Many elite sport people are unable to take certain
types of hayfever medication as ingredients could give
a positive result in drugs tests.
An example of this is the Olympic athlete,
Andrew Steele
“Olympian zaps his hayfever. Published: 19 Jun 2008 ...”
Andrew Steele could fail a drug test if he uses the hayfever
medicines most of us take for granted”. ...
www.thesun.co.uk/.../
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