Asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction – a diagnostic challenge

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) describes the frequent phenomenon of airway narrowing during or after exercise. EIB is a characteristic of asthma in some patients but might develop in athletes without asthma, especially in high-risk disciplines with prolonged high minute ventilation, exposure to cold or toxic substances. The non-specific symptoms are the same for EIB and asthma including shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough and/or wheezing. This article aims to improve the understanding of EIB and gives an overview on pathophysiology and diagnostic challenges.