Welcome to Sport Allergy
At Sport Allergy we are committed to helping athletes maximise their performance and maintain optimal health through quick and accurate diagnosis of airbourne allergies.
The physical effects of allergy can significantly affect athletic performance. In the lung, allergy can trigger asthma, in the nose, rhinitis; in the skin, urticaria; in the eyes, conjunctivitis. Allergic disease has also been associated with fatigue depression and reduced cognition.
Since athletes often train and compete outdoors they are exposed to outdoor seasonal and climatic elements. As ventilation increases, the athlete's exposure to various elements is magnified which intensifies the contact between the respiratory system and the environment.
50% of asthma is triggered by airborne allergens (aeroallergens). Aeroallergens include tree and grass pollens, flower and weed pollens, indoor and outdoor moulds, house mites, animal fur and skin cells. Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) can be exacerbated by seasonal variation in aeroallergens eg. tree pollens during the early part of the year, flower pollens later in the year.
The interaction between upper and lower airways has long been recognised. More recently it has been shown that allergic rhinitis (AR) is a strong predictor of future asthma and that the correct management of AR can significantly improve symptoms of asthma.
AR is characterised by nasal congestion, sneezing, itching of nose, postnasal drip and can lead to sleep disturbance, cough and fatigue. AR can reduce reaction time, attention and vigilance which are key elements of elite athletic performance; however, like EIA, AR is poorly recognised and treated in elite athletes.
Aeroallergen test results would provide more in-depth information on triggers that may exacerbate EIA and provide the basis for an asthma/allergy management plan throughout the year.
Prevention is better than cure!
Athletes and coaches must be aware of environmental conditions and seasonal change that may affect performance. A key stage for increased awareness is identification of susceptible athletes and identification of potential asthma and allergy triggers.
Knowledge of environmental conditions (climate, season, type of pollen) to which an athlete may be exposed during training and competition can help susceptible athletes achieve peak performance through the use of appropriate prophylactic measures.
We advise that athletes are tested for exercise-induced asthma and aeroallergens as part of a routine performance and health screening programme.