Atopy, allergic rhinitis and sport

Introduction. - It has been shown that respiratory symptoms such as asthma are clearly increased among elite athletes. Little is known about recreational athletes and other allergic diseases among athletes. Methods. - Correlation between sporting time and allergic rhinitis or atopy was studied on a group of 153 athletes practising sports at different levels. Within a sub-group of subjects practising sport more than 10 h weekly, the influence of sport's type of practice (sport practice location and sport ventilation level) was studied. Results. - No association was found between sporting time and allergic diseases. Within elite athletes, indoor sporting practice was significantly associated with allergic rhinitis. Among elite athletes, 32,1% were suffering allergic rhinitis while 65% of allergic rhinitis responsible for nasal discomfort were not treated. Conclusions. - Sport practice time is not directly linked to allergic rhinitis or atopy. Sport practice location may interfere with allergic rhinitis. Anyway allergic rhinitis is common and often neglected among athletes. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.