EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA AND SPORT: EVIDENCE ON DIAGNOSIS AND DRUGS

Scientists would agree that exercise and a physically active lifestyle bring well-documented benefits either to athletes with a normal respiratory function and those with respiratory diseases, asthma in particular. Asthma and upper respiratory tract infections and are discussed as they are both common in athletes. All beta-2 agonists are prohibited at all times in sport and require permission for use. However, the beta-2 agonists, when inhaled, can be used up to the limits without therapeutic use exemption (TUE). If use is required above these levels then they also require a TUE. Nevertheless in elite athletes, who use asthma medications, need to special attention about the restrictions by sporting organization. It is reported that some athletes may be unnecessarily taking oral and perhaps parenteral glucocorticoids to obtain certain side effects. The principles for which beta2-agonists are considered doping are all reported to the effect connected to the stimulation of the sympathetic vegetative nervous system. Any decision about these agents except for aerosol or local use could be supported. Thus, this paper highlights the currently available evidence in medicine on Exerciseinduced asthma (EIA).