The recent cold weather is a reminder that winter is still around and the likelihood of sporting postponements an inevitable accompaniment to our climatic conditions.

One of the consequences of cold winter days and the increase in respiratory viral infections seen at this time of the year is the increased incidence of symptoms in those with asthma.

It seems not too long ago that children with asthma were "wrapped in cotton wool" and had to sit at the side of the gym or sports field in the mistaken belief that exercise was bad for them.

Thankfully nowadays we know that nothing is further than the truth.

It is with the assistance and publicity surrounding some of our top sports stars, such as Olympic marathon runner Paula Radcliffe and footballer Paul Scholes that children with asthma are encouraged to be all they can be and reach for the top in sport.

Seven per cent of the population, that's eight million people in the UK, have been diagnosed with asthma with one in eight children receiving treatment for asthma - over 110,000 children in Scotland alone.

Sadly on average, 1,400 people die from asthma in the UK each year, that's almost four people per day.

Common symptoms of asthma are coughing (especially in young children), wheezing, shortness of breath and a tight feeling in your chest. These symptoms result from inflammation of the airways, which then become narrowed. This can be triggered by a number of factors such as exercise, pollen, dust, pets and importantly tobacco smoke.

Asthma symptoms are usually worse when you have a cold or respiratory infection.

Some asthmatics are extra sensitive to changes in temperature and become wheezy when the air is cold and dry.

Normally when we breathe through our nose the nasal passages heat and moisturise the air, but this is by-passed by mouth breathing during exercise.

This is one reason why swimming is an asthma friendly sport with its warm and humid atmosphere. It may well be that the reason so many of the world's top swimmers have asthma is that they were encouraged to swim when they were first diagnosed.

It is also believed the toning of the upper body muscles helps breathing.

So if asthma can be triggered by exercise, how come we encourage those with asthma to take part in sport?

Exercise improves a child's self-esteem and confidence as well as the well-known physical benefits.

Some sports are considered as "asthma friendly" as they are less strenuous or intermittent, like golf and cycling.

But if you take your treatment regularly, there is no reason why all children with asthma shouldn't play any sport they chose.

I have spent many cold, wet Saturdays watching my daughter Victoria, who has asthma, play hockey with no ill effects - in fact, quite the opposite as her fitness, stamina and understanding of the benefits of teamwork improved as a result of the activity - qualities she has since taken into her adult life and career.

What can you do to minimise asthma symptoms and make exercise easier?

There are two easy-to-follow suggestions.

Firstly, it will help if you warm up before exercise with some gentle stretching and slow running.

If possible, this should last for 10-15 minutes and, if cold, ideally should be inside.

A similar warm-down after exercise is also beneficial. Those with asthma should not take strenuous exercise if they are unwell, especially with a respiratory infection.

Secondly, take your doctor or asthma clinic nurse's advice and use your medication. Most asthmatics will have a short-acting blue inhaler to relieve symptoms of wheeze.

This is normally taken about 15 minutes before exercise and repeated if you get short of breath. It acts rapidly and lasts for up to six hours.

In addition, many use their preventive inhaler first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Taking this regularly, even when well, reduces the likelihood of developing cough, wheeze or breathlessness during exercise.

Radcliffe once said about her asthma: "I don't really think it has affected my career - if anything, it has made me more determined to be successful and reach my maximum potential."

Let's try to encourage all those who have asthma to follow Paula's lead.