The most common problem for seemingly fit athletes, both professional and recreational, is exercise-induced asthma, Storms says. Storms estimates 10 percent to 12 percent of competitive athletes have exercise-induced asthma and that it is probably as common among those who jog, work out, hike or bike for fun. In exercise-induced asthma, bronchial tubes constrict, cutting off oxygen flow to the lungs. The person feels tired may get a side- ache and physical performance drops. Someone who regularly gasps for breath or coughs after strenuous exertion may have exercise-induced asthma.
Doctors can treat asthma as well as most respiratory ailments.
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