What short-term effects can pollution have on athletes during exercise?

Coughing and wheezing are common short-term effects that pollution can have on athletes during exercise. When athletes exercise in polluted environments, they inhale harmful particulates and gases that can irritate their respiratory system. This irritation can lead to inflammation of the airways, resulting in symptoms like coughing and wheezing. These symptoms can hinder an athlete's ability to perform optimally, as they may struggle to breathe effectively and may experience discomfort.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive adaptations or improvements in physical performance, which are not applicable in the context of short-term effects of pollution. Enhanced lung capacity and improved stamina are benefits that might occur with training under ideal conditions, but pollution negatively affects lung function. An increased heart rate can occur during exercise due to various factors, including exertion and stress, but it is not a direct result of pollution itself.