TY - JOUR T1 - Systematic assessment detects respiratory problems in illness-susceptible athletes JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2020.2209 VL - 56 IS - suppl 64 SP - 2209 AU - James H. Hull AU - Anna Jackson AU - Craig Ranson AU - Mike Loosemore Y1 - 2020/09/07 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/56/suppl_64/2209.abstract N2 - Introduction: Respiratory illness is a leading cause of training and competition time-loss in elite athletes. In this population asthma is known to be common but the frequency of other respiratory factors, in those deemed susceptible to acute respiratory illness (RTi), is unknown.Objectives: To apply a systematic approach to identify respiratory problems in a cohort of elite athletes.Methods: UK Sport-funded Olympic World Class Performance Programme athletes prospectively completed a systematic review of respiratory health; including validated questionnaires, nasal flow, exhaled nitric oxide, spirometry, eucapnic hyperpnoea challenge (EVH) and allergy testing. Athletes were classified as susceptible if ≥2 RTi resulting in at least 2 days of restricted training in the past 18 months and/ or 1 resulting in ≥5 days of restricted training.Results: 117 athletes (51 females, 66 males, age: 24 ± 4 yr) completed assessment. Two or more abnormalities were found in 60% of athletes, with sinonasal problems most prevalent. Asthma was diagnosed in 31 athletes, 15 of whom had no prior diagnosis; 11 (9%) had airflow obstruction at rest and FeNO was raised 42 (38%) athletes.Conclusion: A systematic approach to respiratory assessment identifies multiple respiratory problems in athletes with an apparently 'unexplained' heightened susceptibility to RTi. Further work is now needed to determine if this approach improves outcome. View this table:FootnotesCite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 2209.This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only). ER -