Prevalence of Rhinitis in Athletes: Systematic Review.

Pavol Surda,Abigail Walker,Matus Putala,Pavel Siarnik

doi:10.1155/2017/8098426

Pavol Surda, Abigail Walker + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8098426

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Abstract

Background Prevalence of rhinitis in athletes has frequently been studied and varies widely from 27% to 74%. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the prevalence of rhinitis in athletes, to specifically compare the evidence of rhinitis in land-based and aquatic athletes. Methods Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the non-MEDLINE subset of PubMed was performed from inception to March 8, 2016, to identify studies on rhinitis in athletes. Results Of the 373 identified unique articles, a total of 13 studies satisfied the criteria for this review. The final group contained 9 cohort and 4 case-control studies. We found 10 studies that reported the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (21%–56.5%). In contrast, nonallergic rhinitis was identified by only 1 author (6%). We have also evaluated the prevalence of rhinitis in the separate subgroups (land, water, and cold air) where swimmers seem to be the most affected (40%–74%), followed by cross-country skiers (46%) and track and field athletes (21 to 49%). Conclusion We did not reveal any convincing trend of a higher prevalence in land-based athletes compared to general population. By contrast, aquatic and cold air athletes demonstrate increased prevalence reflecting the irritant effects of their environment on the nasal mucosa.

Highlights

Peak sporting performance requires optimal levels of health and fitness
Bougault et al in the case-control study showed a significant difference of rhinitis prevalence (AR + NAR) between the swimmers and healthy controls (74% versus 40%, resp., P < 0.01) [8]
Individual studies suggest an increase in prevalence of rhinitis in the land-based athlete, systematic review of the literature does not reveal any convincing trend of a higher prevalence compared to the general population

Summary

Introduction

Peak sporting performance requires optimal levels of health and fitness. Rhinitis, with its proven detrimental effects on sleep and mood [1], and its association with asthma [2], has clear potential for compromising athletic ability.The acute effects of exercise on the nose have been well delineated—vasoconstriction of the capacitance vessels results in a measurable increase in nasal volume [3]. An exercise which takes place in cold air (skiers, snowboarders, and ice hockey) or in chlorinated water (swimmers, divers, and water polo) subjects the nasal mucosa to local irritants. Aerobic exercise which takes place outdoors may result in inhalation of above average volumes of aeroallergens, nitrous oxide, or pollution due to the increased minute ventilation required to sustain activity [5, 6]. We have evaluated the prevalence of rhinitis in the separate subgroups (land, water, and cold air) where swimmers seem to be the most affected (40%–74%), followed by cross-country skiers (46%) and track and field athletes (21 to 49%). Aquatic and cold air athletes demonstrate increased prevalence reflecting the irritant effects of their environment on the nasal mucosa

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Conclusion