
Dr Janesh P Ganda
INFECTIONS IN ATHLETES
Endurance training can predispose an athlete to several infections because of numerous factors:
The immune system is essentially comprised of 2 inter-dependant systems
1. the non-specific Innate immune system,
2. the more specific Acquired immune system.
2. Acquired “Specific” immune system
Does exercise always result in an increased risk of infection?
The simple answer is NO, in fact it has been shown that regular, moderate exercise actually decreases the risk of infection. However, the risk of infection has been shown to increase in athletes who engage in regular bouts of high intensity exercise, or in athletes who undergo high training loads. This is demonstrated by the J-curve below.
TIPS to reduce the risk of infections, focusing on Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI’s)
To exercise or not to exercise, that’s the question
It’s very common for athletes to visit a Sports Medicine Practice before major events and during single/multi-stage endurance events (OMTOM, Comrades Marathon, Ironman, Cape Epic, Wines2Whales etc.) or in a team (rugby, soccer, hockey etc.) to ask for advice on whether an illness should stop them from training. Training with an illness can have severe side effects – the development of a condition called a viral myocarditis can occur. This condition could lead to severe cardiac damage, and even death.
WHEN NOT TO EXERCISE – if you have any of the following symptoms:
Disclaimer – Information supplied in articles is generalised and does not constitute individualised medical advice. Patients are always advised to seek proper medical advice from a qualified medical professional.
What is a concussion?
Concussion is defined as a “complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanics features :
Concussion Rates in school sports
It was recently estimated that 3.8 million recreation and sport related concussions occur annually in the United States (2).
A lack of a proper Injury tracker in youth sports (2), makes this number in accurate for concussions in the paediatrics population, however, highlights the need for school injury surveillance to be able to quantify concussions in this population group.
Represents approximately 8.9% of all high school injuries in the USA. (3)
The 6 R’s of concussion (4)
Recognize
Remove from field of play immediately if concussion is confirmed of suspected
Re-evaluate/Refer
Rest
Return to school strategy (5)
Return to Play/Rehabilitation
References