One who has asthma has difficulty in breathing. He experiences fast breathing and coughs and wheezes frequently. Chest and throat tightness are also common symptoms. Nasal congestion, sinusitis and running nose are part of having asthma. And in some cases, asthma comes with eye irritation, too.
What Happens During the Attack of Asthma?
When asthma attacks, the person’s lungs expand due to too much air trapped on it. This causes pain to the patient because the membrane surrounding the lungs has to stretch itself. This leads to the expansion of the lungs requiring its wall to expand just the same, causing unbearable pain to the person. Given this seemingly agonizing situation, associating asthma in sport would seem inappropriate but that is just an impression.
Factors to Consider When Getting Into Sports
Because of asthma, there are people who find themselves hesitant to try on any form of sports. But on the contrary, a lot of sports and many forms of exercise, are actually advised to asthma patients provided they take into account some precautionary matters. It is of extreme importance to keep in mind a few factors to ensure that exercise induced asthma or EIA will not take place. The type of sport or exercise, the length of time you play or train, the intensity of the game or exercise and the level of the bronchial tube sensitivity as it releases chemicals are just some of the things to take into consideration.
Preventing and Responding to Asthma Attack during the Game
You need to be aware how you can enjoy asthma in sport without putting your health at risk. Keep in mind that not all kinds of sports and exercises give rise to similar result. Some make you fit, while the other result to asthma attack. This matter is a little complicated since you will be required to be specific on the duration of the game you will take part of and the intensity of physical effort you will exert. With the guidance of your doctor and keeping yourself well-informed, you can easily memorize these factors and it will be easier for you to identify the activities that suit you.
You can avoid or reduce the possibility of asthma attack by taking on warm up activities prior to your asthma in sport participation. Taking proper medication before the game is strongly recommended. Preventers of asthma attack such as Intal, Tilade, Intal Forte, Becotide, Aldecin, Becoforte Flixotide and Pulmicort, can help ease your mind and ensure safety before the game. Having your lung function measured with the use of spirometer or peak flow meter is of great help in determining whether or not vigorous training should be stopped.
Asthma, particular the exercise induce asthma, can be a cause of death although this rarely happens. When EIA attacks, the patient will be asked to rest and inhale a reliever of prescribed dosage.
Asthma in Sport Success Stories
Despite this disease, there are asthm suffers who found success in playing sports. Some even compete internationally and have garnered loads of recognitions. A lot of successful asthmatic athletes are in the field of swimming and other water activities. They have also invaded the world of cross country skiing, long distance running, football, cricket and hockey.
More Tips on Getting into Asthma in Sport
Apart from performing warm up exercises before the game, do not forget to cool down.
Refrain from getting into contact with triggers of asthma such as smoke, pollen grains and cold dry air.
Have all your asthma inhalers and medication near you. But take into account that there are band anti-asthma drugs which you are not allowed to take when getting into asthma in sport. Examples are isoprenaline, ephedrine, adrenaline, Sulbutamol, terbutaline and even the injectable and oral steroids.
Do not forget that scuba is not for asthma patients. There are dangerous complications associated with scuba usage. This is due to the compressed air that is cold and dry that the person will breathe while scuba diving.
Keep in mind that asthma is a condition that you can control and it should not be the one to control and prevent you from enjoying life. Asthma in sport is possible. Get moving and make yourself active with the kind of sports that match your capabilities.
