PMID: 18211794Jan 24, 2008Paper

The use of anti-asthmatic medication among Danish elite athletes

Ugeskrift for laeger
T LundV Backer

Abstract

The prevalence of asthma and the use of anti-asthmatic medication is high among elite athletes. Elite athletes require a TUE certificate (Therapeutic Use Exemption) if they require anti-asthmatic medication which is on the prohibited list. The aim of the study was to determine the distribution of Danish TUE certificates and to examine the use of anti-asthmatic medication among Danish elite athletes. A cross-sectional study of all applications for TUE certificates in 2005 was carried out. We focused on applications including anti-asthmatic medication. All applications resulted in certificates being issued. A total of 694 TUE certificates were issued. Of these, 445 (64%) concerned anti-asthmatic medication. Short-acting beta-2-agonists (SABA) were the most frequent medication (79%). Only 2% received long-acting beta-2-agonists (LABA) as single therapy. Inhaled steroids were used by 69%. Swimmers received significantly higher doses of inhaled steroids compared to all others athletes (1031 microg/day (148); p=0.01). The applications for TUE certificates were generally handled by general practitioners (78%). Most TUE certificates issued in 2005 concerned anti-asthmatic medication. Only a few athletes were treated with non-recommende...Continue Reading

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