[Asthma among athletes - prevalence, diagnosis and treatment]

Asthma is more common among athletes than in the general population. The diagnosis can be difficult to detect as objective examinations such as resting spirometry often remain normal and are masked by the athletes' good cardio-pulmonary capacity, as well as overlapping with what is expected in a normal training response. Evaluation should include exercise testing and provocation in a real training environment. Training environments involving cold and dry air, as well as inhalation of chlorine compounds from pool water, can trigger asthmatic symptoms. Both over- and under-treatment occurs, which makes careful diagnosis and monitoring of prescribed treatment important. With proper treatment, athletes can train and compete on equal terms, and it is important to encourage physical activity among people with asthma.