DRLski

After all the recent news on about doping I was wondering what the rules are for those of us with Exercise Induced Asthma? If I remember correctly, I believe a pro rider was banned last year for using an inhaler. So does this mean for those of us with Asthma, we would not be able to do any competitive racing if we ever got any good?

wfrogge

I have exercise induced fatigue.... can I get EPO from my doctor?

merlinextraligh

There are a huge number of asthmatics in the Pro Peleton, measured by the number of riders with Theraputic Use Exceptions for Asthma Inhalers. See:

https://www.velonews.com/train/articles/5719.0.html

Bacciagalupe

Exercise-induced asthma is actually pretty common, and you need to ingest truly massive quantities of albuterol to get a performance enhancement (that is, if you're healthy at time of ingestion). I don't know the specifics, but you do need a TUE to use an inhaler during / around the time of competition.

Recently one pro rider (Petacchi) went over the line (1000mg iirc), but was cleared today. I believe the last person who got busted for it was like 5x over the limit....

urbanknight

I don't know about international racing, but when I was racing, I had to have proof of the perscription on me and the dosage I was to take. Eventually, I was off of the preventative and just kept the emergency inhaler nearby with a teammate/coach/parent who knew where it was.

DannoXYZ 

Also the asthma medication only restores breathing back to normal levels. It doesn't improve it beyond that. Similarly, non-asthmatics taking those inhalers won't get any benefits either.

DRLski

So you can eventually train yourself out of using the inhaler as a preventative?

RockyMtnMerlin

Really? This is what velonews says that contradicts your statement, "Studies have shown that in addition to aiding in the treatment of asthma, Salbutamol can be used to increase an athlete's anaerobic power. According to study results, peak power appeared significantly earlier and was noticeably increased after Salbutamol use."
Maybe that is why it is so widely used (with TUE's) in the pro peloton.

DRLski

If this was the case I'd be winning races instead of getting dropped

RockyMtnMerlin

Way too many variables to diagnosis your admitted lack of power.

DRLski

hmm, I'll have to look into this, wasn't aware that this was an option. How many times per day does she have to take it?

audiojan

It's actually pretty simple... Contact US Cycling and tell them that you need to file an exemption for your asthma medication. They will take your information and ask you to send a copy of your prescription, the name of your doctor and a release form so they can confirm with the doctor that you are indeed in need of the medication. Not a big deal at all.

There is definately not a benefit having asthma even if you get medication for it... imagine all of a sudden being completely out of breath and the only thing you can do to get control of it is drop off the pace and use your inhaler. Not really the way to win races... is it?!

wfrogge

You and I (along with 90% of the pro peleton) know it helps everybody regardless if you have EIA or not. I got some free samples of pro air from my doctor and feel it helps. If I take a few hits before working out I find it easier to calm down my breathing after a 100% effort. Also feels like im getting more air in my lungs.....

/waiting for the "see you have EIA too!" posts now

asgelle

Feeling it helps is not the same thing as proving it improves performance.

wfrogge

When I hit pro air my breathing recovers faster after a hard effort. This improves my performance.