Ben Stokes raises questions over inhaler use ahead of crucial ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Ben Stokes, England's star all-rounder has raised some eyebrows in the cricketing world after he was seen using an inhaler during a practice session in preparation for England's crucial match against Sri Lanka during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.

Ben Stokes, who previously shone as England's MVP in the 2019 World Cup, was in the spotlight. The practice session in question took place in Bengaluru and while he was engaged in extensive training, he covered batting in the nets, bowling and a number of other fielding drills, it was his use of an inhaler during breaks that caught everyone's attention.

While viral images of Stokes using the inhaler have sparked concerns among fans, there is no official report to confirm any significant health issues for the talented all-rounder.

It is also relatively common for some athlete's to use inhalers for a number of respiratory problems, one of which could be exercise-induced asthma.

The use of an inhaler does not necessarily mean an asthma diagnosis because doctors may prescribe inhalers for a range of other respiratory issues.

Athletes in particularly are somewhat susceptible to experiencing shortness of breath, especially during or after intense physical activity, which could explain the use of inhalers.
Meanwhile, inhalers can also be used for non-performance-enhancing steroids and given Stokes' history of knee and hip injuries, his inhaler use might be in line with medical recommendations.

It's not uncommon in the world of sports to see professional athletes, including footballers, managing asthma while competing at the highest level. In Ben Stokes' case, neither the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) nor the player himself has officially confirmed any asthma