1 - Serviço de Imunoalergologia, Unidade Local de Saúde de São José;
2 - Centro Clínico Académico de Lisboa;
3 - Serviço de Otorrinolaringologia, Unidade Local de Saúde de São José;
4 - Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
- Póster no World Allergy Congress 2024, setembro 2024, Lisboa
Resumo:
Introduction: Allergy and respiratory disorders frequently impact the performance of young athletes, presenting a substantial hurdle to their training regimens. Acute respiratory illnesses stand out as a cause of missed practices and competitions among athletes, underscoring the role of optimized respiratory health in achieving peak performance. This study aims to assess the frequency of respiratory symptoms among adolescent athletes and analyze their implications on training attendance.
Methodology: We conducted an exploratory survey targeting children aged 12 to 17 engaged in competitive sports. The survey, adapted from the AQUA questionnaire and NOSE score, was carried out in December 2023. Out of the 227 responses received, 197 were considered complete and thus included in the analysis.
Results: The study cohort predominantly consisted of male participants (73.1%) with a median age of 14 years (IQR: 2). The majority of athletes were rugby players (54.8%), followed by football players (15.7%) and gymnastics (9.6%). Training frequency mostly ranged from 3 to 6 hours per week, primarily in outdoor facilities (73.1%). Approximately 35% (n=69) of the participants suspected having allergies, yet only 28.6% (n=56) had a confirmed medical diagnosis, with 28 (14.2%) reporting rhinitis and 16 (8.1%) asthma. Regarding symptoms, 82.1% of participants reported nasal symptoms, with the majority (49.2%, n=97) classified as mild according to the NOSE score. Examining the impact on training, 15.2% (n=30) of athletes reported experiencing shortness of breath or cough during exercise, predominantly occurring at the end of training (n=15, 50%). Approximately 35% missed training at least once a year (one to three times) due to respiratory infections.
Conclusion: The outcomes of this study reveal a substantial proportion of young athletes reporting symptoms and experiencing disruptions in their training routines due to respiratory issues. These results emphasize the need for tailored preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and management protocols promoting respiratory well-being.
Palavras Chave: asma, atletas, asma e desporto, adolescentes