Preventative Measures: Asthmatic Athletes

As summer comes into action, asthmatic athletes have a few additional problems to overcome as compared to other athletes due to their risk for asthma attacks. This seasonal transition often takes a total on asthmatic athletes due to the change of weather from hot, humid air to dry, colder air. However, with proper education and prevention asthma shouldn’t have to side line your child.

Cause

Asthma is a disease involving the respiratory system which consists of the airway and lungs. There are 2 general components: Inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the respiratory tract and constriction of the airway termed as bronchospasm. This process leads to the symptoms of asthma which consist of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, pain/tightness in the chest and fatigue.

Prevention and Treatment

Asthma is best tackled under the care of a physician who must first analysis the proper diagnosis based on symptoms and lung testing. Once asthma is being diagnosed, the first step in treatment is to find out and eliminate triggers. For mild cases, a fast-acting inhaler like albuterol may be used to treat symptoms once they occur. For more severe asthma, a daily preventive medicine such as an inhaled steroid may be needed. It is always best to have an emergency plan in place in the instance all other methods fail.

General Treatment Considerations

If you suspect your child may be suffering from asthma consult your primary care physician. If the symptoms do not get resolved in a timely matter or continue to linger go directly to the nearest emergency room. It is important to take note on the type, length, frequency, and severity of symptoms so the physicians can treat the patient accordingly. Consult your physician if you are having difficulty managing your asthma effectively.

By: Saksham Gupta

Content: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-articles/preventative-measures-for-asthmatic-athletes