Abstract
Exercise has been shown as not only exacerbating factor, but also therapeutic method for bronchial asthma. We reviewed literatures on asthma prevalence in athletes, cohort studies regarding exercise and asthma, and exercise therapy of asthma.
The athletes of winter sports, endurance sports, and swimming have high asthma prevalence. The risk of ozone exposure during outdoor sports and chloride gas exposure during indoor swimming for asthma has also been suggested. On the other hand, exercise has been reported to have beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and to reduce asthma symptoms although no effect on lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness has been observed.
We also discussed about the effect of swimming exercise on asthma control and the relationship between obesity and asthma.
