Self-reported obstructive airway symptoms are common in young cross-country skiers |
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Authors: | L. Larsson,P. Hemminqsson,G. Boë thius |
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Affiliation: | Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Östersund Hospital, Sweden;Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Östersund Hospital, Sweden;Member of the Medical Committee of the International Ski Federation |
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Abstract: | The reported high use of anti-asthmatic drugs in cross-country skiers prompted a study to assess the prevalence of self-reported asthma, asthma-associated symptoms and the use of anti-asthmatic medication among cross-country skiers. A self-administered questionnaire based on the Medical Research Council questionnaire was answered by cross-country skiers in the Swedish national ski team, in upper secondary school ski-classes and in the Swedish army ( n =305). Controls ( n =141) were pupils from regular classes in the same upper secondary schools. Skiers more often gave posi- tive answers to all questions on asthma and asthma-associated symptoms. The cumulative prevalence of asthma was 15% in skiers and 6% in controls. We conclude that the common use of anti-asthmatic drugs among cross-country skiers reflects a high prevalence of self-reported asthma and asthma-associated symptoms. The causes of these differences are un-known. |
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Keywords: | athlete asthma airway symptom anti-asthmatic drug |
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