Summary
Our review has revealed that EIB is under-diagnosed and under treated in young athletes. An objective diagnosis of EIB should be based on symptoms in a combination with a proper exercise challenge test, as athletes who refrain from reporting symptoms experience a decline in lung function performance after exercise.
Nonetheless, it is important to avoid over-diagnosing EIB, which is usually followed by over- or under-treatment. Limited access to relevant, provocation tests can contribute to a lack of awareness and misdiagnosis of EIB, as asthma and other diseases produce similar symptoms.
Appropriate treatment for the diagnosis of EIB in young athletes should be associated with regular control visits.