Asthma, a common pulmonary condition that causes coughing fits, difficulty in breathing, and tightness in the chest, has many triggers such as allergens and vigorous exercise. The latter may be a reason for most people to forgo any athletic ambitions, particularly in sports that involve intensive physical training, but exercise-induced asthma can be managed. In fact, a number of top athletes have succeeded in their various fields of sport despite living with the condition

1. Winning
despite
asthma: How
athletes can
manage
exercise-
induced asthma
Asthma, a common pulmonary condition that causes coughing fits, difficulty in breathing, and tightness in
the chest, has many triggers such as allergens and vigorous exercise. The latter may be a reason for most
people to forgo any athletic ambitions, particularly in sports that involve intensive physical training, but
exercise-induced asthma can be managed. In fact, a number of top athletes have succeeded in their
various fields of sport despite living with the condition.
The symptoms of this condition can be experienced both by chronic asthma sufferers and those who don't
normally have asthma attacks, in these cases the problem is called "exercise-induced bronchospasm."
Working with a pulmonary specialist can help sufferers figure out the best way to control their symptoms
and prevent attacks. Inhalers, bronchodilators, and beta-2 antagonists are usually prescribed to asthma
patients. Additionally, physicians will recommend some lifestyle and training style changes. For instance,
athletes with these conditions are asked to include warm up and cool down exercises to their regimen.
Outdoor exercise should also be minimized or avoided altogether during pollen season, extremely cold
weather, and when pollution or haze levels are high.

2. TAGS: asthma, exercise-induced asthma, managing asthma
Image source: en.wikipedia.org
When picking a sport as a chronic asthma patient, warm weather sports are generally recommended over
those played in cold and dry environments as these conditions are ripe for bronchospasms. However,
sports that require players to exert themselves for long periods such as track and field may also trigger
asthma.
Playing team sports may reduce the likelihood of symptoms acting up, as players can have breaks in the
action during a game, but swimming is particularly seen as great for asthmatic athletes as it helps
strengthen the lungs. It should be noted, however, that swimming in cold, highly chlorinated water can still
trigger symptoms.
Exercise-induced asthma shouldn't scare off people from practicing and succeeding in athletics. With the
right care and attitude, and regular check-ups with healthcare professionals, it's possible to manage the
condition enough to participate and win in sports as long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe, NBA player
Dennis Rodman, and Olympic swimmer Peter Vanderkaay, among others, have.
Lisa Marie Cannon, M.D.is a New Jersey-based physician specializing in pulmonology and internal
medicine. Learn more about pulmonary care by visiting this Facebook page.