Allergological profile in 6,606 runners of the Grand Prix of Bern

Pollen allergy usually occurs during the physically most active time of lif e. In this study we sought to investigate the prevalence of hay fever, asth ma and adverse food reaction as well as the treatment modalities in runners of the Grand Prix of Bern (the most beautiful 10 miles of Europe). Methods : A questionnaire was mailed to all 24,280 participants of the years 1989 - 1994. Results. Of these, 6,606 (30.2%) answered the Inquiry. Hay fever was indicated from 1,403 (21.2%), asthma from 595 (9.0%) and adverse food reac tion from 573 (8.7%) runners. Of the food suspected, hazel nut (22.7%), app le (19.4%), celery (13.0%), peach (8.9%) and carrots (8.0%) have been menti oned to induce an adverse food reaction most frequently. Experienced sympto ms mainly affected the skin with pruritus (61.6%) as the predominate manife station, followed by rhinitis (25.3%), exanthema (22.9%) and urticaria (16. 7%). Severe systemic reactions were rarely recorded (0.8%). Of the runners with hay fever, 427 (30.4%) needed treatment which was conform in two third s with a conventional therapy. Less than half (45.0%) of the runners indica ting to have asthma treated the respiratory symptoms. Of the subjects with a history of a systemic food adverse reaction (541/573), only 7.3% have bee n supplied with emergency medications. Conclusion: Prevalence of hay fever and asthmatic symptoms in runners participating at the Grand Prix of Bern d uring the years of 1989 - 1994 are within the range of reported epidemiolog ical data. Respiratory and alimentary allergy are not a reason to abstain f rom athletic endeavours. Most adverse food reactions can be explained in th e frame of pollen allergy. Management of hay fever and asthma, and the reco mmendation measures following adverse food reactions might be improved.