3.5 Nasal hyperreactivity
Nasal hyperreactivity (NHR) which is a frequent hallmark of rhinitis, is
characterized by the induction of nasal symptoms upon encounter of
unspecific environmental stimuli and is believed to play an important
role in athletes 45, 46. Exposure to cold temperatures
is one of the most important triggers for NHR 43, 47and can be an issue for winter-sports athletes; This has been confirmed
by Bonadonna who reported on a prevalence of almost 50 % of
cold-induced rhinorrhea in over a hundred skiers, independent from their
atopy state 48. But also, exposures to pollution and
chlorination products in outdoor and aquatic athletes, might induce
rhinitis symptoms in those with pre-existing rhinitis with NHR, even in
the absence of a direct irritant effect.