[Asthma is no obstacle for physical activity or high-level athletics]

Asthma affects 6-8 per cent of the adult population, and is often triggered by physical activity, its occurrence in conjunction with athletics is a problem commonly encountered by most doctors treating the disease. Findings in recent studies suggest that asthma may be even more prevalent among those engaged in endurance sports. The risk of sports-induced asthmatic symptoms is dependent on the type of sport and climatic conditions, being higher in endurance sports and in cold and dry air. Asthma in sports should be treated in the same way as asthma in general. Inhaled beta-agonist and steroid treatment is usually sufficient, possibly in combination with a cromolyn preparation, though doping regulations need to be taken into account.