A U. S. allergist says that the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma can be increased by cold weather sports of the Winter Olympics but there's no need to skip sports,.

Dr. Indu Warrier, an allergist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says in a statement," Cold temperatures, as well as dry air, can cause excessive dryness in mucus-producing tissue that lines the respiratory passages and result in more symptoms."

Warrier says that symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath because of vigorous physical activity. However, symptoms don't have to interfere with exercise.

Warrier further advises," No matter the temperature, prevention is the most important way to control exercise-induced asthma."

She also said that prevention can include using an inhaler or taking other prescription medication 15 to 20 minute before exercise. Using asthma maintenance medication as prescribed to get the underlying condition under control also will help control symptoms better. (With Input from Agencies)