The Impact of Climate, Aeroallergens, Pollution, and Altitude on Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2025 Feb;45(1):77-88. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2024.09.004. Epub 2024 Oct 20.

Abstract

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) with or without underlying asthma is a condition with complex pathophysiology, where many factors play a role in its development and clinical presentation. EIB can be impacted by various environmental factors including climate, environmental allergens, air pollution, and altitude. Although it might be hard to escape one's environment, patients should nevertheless be counseled on how the environment could impact their symptoms. Patient education regarding environmental factors could help overcome impediments to exercise and improve performance.

Keywords: Air pollution; Allergies; Altitude; Climate; Environment; Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / adverse effects
  • Air Pollutants / immunology
  • Air Pollution* / adverse effects
  • Allergens* / immunology
  • Altitude*
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced* / diagnosis
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced* / epidemiology
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced* / etiology
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced* / immunology
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced* / physiopathology
  • Bronchoconstriction
  • Climate*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Humans

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Air Pollutants