Diagnosis of asthma and permitted use of inhaled beta(2)-agonists in athletes

The prevalence of asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity has been reported to be higher in athletes than in the general population. This has also been related to reported asthma in order to obtain permitted use of b2-agonists, whose assumption in athletes is ruled by anti-doping regulations. The paper addresses the issue whether the recently established and evaluated rules of the International Olympic Committee on tests and procedures for diagnosis of asthma in athletes and permitted use of b2-agonists are consistent with an adequate diagnosis and management of asthma according to international guidelines