Exercise-induced asthma (EIA for short) is common in competitive athletes, even at the elite Olympic level. So, obviously, having it doesn’t mean you can’t participate in sports. In fact, as many as 20% of summer athletes suffer from allergic diseases like nasal allergies and asthma.

In addition, the prevalence of allergic disease is greater in athletes, while treatment is often lacking because of the anti-doping regulations that govern elite athletes. So, at the request of the National Olympic Committee, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network has initiated a study of Olympic athletes. Scientists have designed the study to assess the affect that environmental pollution has on asthma symptoms and lung function, and also to help identify athletes who may develop asthma and allergy symptoms while in Beijing.

Regular exams throughout the Olympics will measure lung function and symptoms in more than 2,000 athletes. Skin prick tests will measure for allergies. It is hoped that the study will lead to a better understanding of allergic disease in top athletes, as well as better care. And that should lead to a better approach for everyday athletes and active kids as well!