Athletes & Asthma Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions This information has been reviewed and approved by Tod Olin, MD, MSCS (October 2017). Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: Summary: Athletes and Asthma Athletes with shortness of breath who don't improve with asthma treatment could be misdiagnosed and over-medicated. Competitive Athletes Asthma is the most commonly diagnosed chronic medical condition in competitive athletes. 0-25% of athletes in certain sports experience shortness of breath. These athletes could be getting the wrong treatment. Standard Asthma Treatment These medications relax the airway muscles, reduce inflammation or prevent the immune system from having an allergic reaction: Beta agonists Inhaled steroids Inhaled anticholinergics Inhaled anti-mast cell agents Leukotriene modifiers Oral steroids Anti-IgE Theophylline See One Of Our Asthma Specialists If More than two days a week of symptoms On a large number or large doses of medicine Admitted to hospital for breathing problems Not responding to asthma therapy in the way you think you should Visit Our Pediatric Exercise Tolerance Center It's the only center of its kind in Colorado. We take special interest in diagnosing patients who have difficulty breathing during exercise. Our pediatric breathing and exercise specialists have the tools and expertise to get you breathing better. Tool For A Diagnosis A test called continuous laryngoscopy can diagnose vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), whose symptoms initially can look like asthma. Performed during exercise to watch how vocal cords behave while the symptoms are happening in real time An important test - symptoms can stop as soon as exercise stops; you can't see findings from this test in any non-invasive procedure or exam Develop A Treatment Plan Speech therapy to keep vocal cords open during exercise Biofeedback More Information on Asthma Asthma Misdiagnosis When to See an Asthma Specialist Pediatric Asthma Pediatric Exercise Tolerance Center Adult Asthma Our Personalized Approach to Asthma Bronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma Make an Appointment Find a Doctor You may use this infographic or our printable Athletes & Asthma poster (pdf) with permission by completing our content usage request form.