Asthma
Resources concerning
Asthma References online: American Lung Association - Good source of different medications for asthmatics. Living Well With Asthma - Clear concise breakdown of the pathology of Asthma. Canadian Lung Association - Really good source for educators Books about Asthma For the latest in resources concerning individuals with Asthma. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology -For information concerning asthma that is induced by allergies. Asthma Research - Arizona Respiratory Center Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America - With the right resources you and your loved ones can live healthy and active lives. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America® (AAFA) is here to help
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Asthma
By
Christina Mooney
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by episodes
of attack of inflammation and narrowing of small airways in response
to asthma “trigger.” these attacks can range from mild to life-threatening.
National Center of Health Statistics
More prevalent in children
Exercise-Induced
Bronchospasm (EIB)
Very common in people with asthma
Exact cause unknown
Signs and Symptoms:
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Shortness of breath
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Cough
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Wheezing
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Chest pain / Chest Tightness
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Tightness
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Or a combination
“Triggers”
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Allergens
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Food
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Infections
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Exercise (EIB)
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changes in weather
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Cold air
Asthma First Aid
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Catch it early
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Have student stop All Activity
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Help student assume an up right position
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Talk to the student calmly
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Encourage the student to take medication
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Withholding medication is more detrimental then giving medication when it may not be needed
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Notify proper personal, i.e. school nurse
Prevention
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Medications can be taken prior to vigorous exercise
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inhaled bronchodilators work for 4-6 hours.
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Adequate warm up
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Exercise should increase in intensity slowly
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Adequate cool-down
Beneficial types of Exercise
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Walking
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Bicycling
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Swimming**
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Football
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Short distance track and field
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Golfing
Beneficial Environments
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Warm and humidified air
Exercise and Environments to Avoid
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Running causes increased EIB
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Places with excessive dust and pollens in the air
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Cold dry air
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Student can wear a scarf or mask (self humidifying)
Asthma Medications
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Inhaled Bronchodilator Medications
Severe episodes or prevention of EIB
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Anti-Inflammatory Medications
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Long term not immediate
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Daily use, regular use important
Systemic Bronchodilator Medications
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Pills, 12-24 hours, nocturnal asthma
Persons with Asthma should not be withheld from Physical Activity
Exercise because it:
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Increases tolerance
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Improves self esteem
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Increased confidence
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Improved psychological and physical well-being
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Increased sedentary life style increase problems with asthma with minimal physical activity.
Athletes with Asthma
Olympic Swimmer: Amy Van Dyken
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO READ HER STORY
Olympic Track Athlete: Jackie Joyner-Kersee
One of the greatest multi-event athletes, she scooped Olympic gold in the heptathlon in 1988 and 1992.
She also struck gold in the long jump in 1988.
With a heptathlon silver in 1984 and bronze long jump medals in 1992 and 1996, she took her Olympic medal tally to six.
She discovered she had asthma in 1983 and sometimes wore a mask to compete.
Womens Marathon Runner: Paula Radcliffe
Paula shattered the women's world marathon best in Chicago.
This crowned a remarkable year that also saw Paula win the Commonwealth Games 5,000m, the European Championships 10,000m, the London Marathon and World Cross Country Championships.
Paula's asthma was diagnosed at the age of 14.
She keeps her asthma under control by making sure she always gets
the right level of treatment.
Olympic Swimmer: Mark Spitz
The American swimming sensation made a real splash when he scooped a stunning nine gold medals at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
Olympic Swimmer: Adrian Moorhouse
The British swimmer was crowned Olympic champion in the 100m breaststroke at Seoul in 1988.
Find these and more athletes who have overcome asthma by clicking here.
Asthma Powerpoint Presentation
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