Effect of nedocromil sodium on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction exacerbated by inhalation of cold air.

This double-blind placebo-crossover study examined the effect of nedocromil sodium, 4 mg aerosol 30 min before challenge, on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in cold air conditions. Twenty-one asthmatic patients (15-28 years), with methacholine PC20 < or = 8 mg/ml in the absence of significant allergen exposure, were randomized to active and placebo therapy on separate study days. Pulmonary function, measured up to 20 min after exercise, showed significantly less deterioration with nedocromil sodium, which effectively halved the maximum percentage decline in forced expiratory volume in the first second.

[Asthma and mountain air].

Geilomo hospital for children with asthma and allergy is situated 800 m above sea level in a non-polluted area in the central part of Norway. 31 children who were admitted to this hospital from different parts of Norway (mostly from the main cities) were studied for six weeks. They underwent physical training and daily measurements were taken of lung function and the effect of bronchodilators.

Doping and athletes--prevention and counseling.

Doping in sports is an old problem. Development of modern techniques has made doping control possible for all drugs listed on the International Olympic Committee's list. A survey is given of the preventive measures ( antidoping ) that have been carried out in Norway since 1976.

Menstrual dysfunction in Norwegian top athletes.

Of 301 Norwegian female top athletes, all members of the national team in 27 different sports, who were approached with a questionnaire about menstrual function, 278 (92.4%) responded. Ninety-nine of the respondents who used oral contraceptives were excluded.