Asthma and Respiratory Symptoms in Finnish Competitive Cross-Country Skiers

Abstract

Doctoral dissertation on asthma and respiratory symptoms in Finnish competitive cross-country skiers. The research showed that asthma is more prevalent in competitive skiers than in the general population, has a later onset, is more often non-allergic, and is associated with high training volume. Skiers experience frequent respiratory symptoms during exercise, but prolonged cough is rare. Respiratory infections hamper training especially in those with asthma.