This cold, dry air can trigger asthma. Asthma symptoms are generally at their worst after six to eight minutes of aerobic exercise. By taking preventive measures, asthmatics should be able to compete in any sport. Not all sports, however, are equally tolerated. In general, exercise and sports that involve prolonged periods of running are more likely to provoke asthma attacks than nonaerobic ones.
Swimming is one of the best tolerated sports.
In most instances, exercise induced asthma can be controlled to allow participation in any sport. Many Olympic athletes, including several gold medal winners, have had asthma. Asthma is obstruction of airflow in the bronchial tubes that is reversible. Allergies are one of the factors that can trigger asthma attacks. Not all asthmatics are allergic and there are many people who are allergic but do not have asthma.