Researchers have found that over half of jocks suffer from asthma caused by exercise.

As per the facts, the rates are about seven times higher than in the UK general population where the asthma rates are around 8%.

The data was based on a review of scores of published studies between 1989 and 2006 on respiratory problems and asthma caused by exercise.

This analysis showed that up to 54 per cent of elite athletes are affected.

Those more prone to asthma risk include swimmers, endurance athletes and those who practice winter sports.

Professor Connie Katelaris from the University of Western Sydney, a specialist in the exercise-induced asthma stated, "Athletes appear to develop a special kind of asthma which involves injury to the airways."

"Athletes need to be screened properly for this problem and those who experience breathing problems need to be seen by specialists in this area to get proper treatment," Prof. Katelaris added.

The figures were disclosed during a recent conference of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in London. (With Inputs from Agencies)