Are some asthma drugs banned in athletic competitions?
The determination of whether a drug or substance is banned or allowed in amateur athletic competitions is not based on whether it is medically necessary. Rather, such a determination is based on whether the substance in question can be performance-enhancing and offer an unfair competitive advantage. There are several organizations that make this determination and an athlete on an asthmatic drug should check with his coaches, physician, and appropriate athletic authority. Different athletic organizations may differ on what is banned or allowed. For example, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) follows International Olympic Committee guidelines for testing at Olympic events. Many amateur athletic organizations (termed National Governing Bodies) adopt USOC guidelines for drug testing at their events. In contrast, the NCAA has less stringent guidelines for certain substances used by asthmatics in during competitions. Further complicating an athlete’s understanding of the situation, s
