Which groups of individuals are often affected by exercise-induced bronchoconstriction?

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) primarily affects athletes and active individuals with asthma. This condition occurs when physical exertion triggers bronchial spasms, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Athletes who engage in high-intensity activities or endurance sports, such as running, swimming, or cycling, are especially prone to experience EIB due to the increased airflow and exhalation of warm, moist air that can dry out and irritate the airways. For individuals with asthma, the underlying airway hyperreactivity exacerbates these symptoms during exercise.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned do not have a direct link to EIB. Individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure can certainly have respiratory issues, but these conditions do not inherently predispose someone to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Similarly, individuals recovering from surgery may have compromised lung function due to anesthesia or immobility, but this does not specifically relate to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction as their primary concern. Thus, the specific focus on athletes and active individuals with asthma accurately captures the risk factor associated with EIB.