Did you know?
Several of Canada’s Olympic athletes have asthma and can still successfully compete in their chosen sports? Having asthma does not mean you cannot exercise, but people with asthma are often afraid of experiencing exercise-induced flare-ups
Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. There is some degree of inflammation in the airway most of the time, which can, if left untreated, lead to one or more of the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest Tightness
- Shortness of breath
Even though the airway inflammation is always present, the symptoms may come and go depending on the level of inflammation. Exposure to allergic triggers or physical activity can increase inflammation. Fortunately this can be treated so that symptoms are minimized and the athlete can participate in most physical activities.
Exercise-Induced asthma can occur after approximately 10 minutes of vigorous physical activity or following the cessation of activity. It is more common when activity is done in cold environments and during high pollen count days. Often the symptoms can be prevented by using the reliever inhaler 10-15 minutes prior to exercise.
Exercise when an athlete is already experiencing coughing or difficulty breathing can lead to a severe asthma attack.
What can I do if I coach athletes with asthma?
Access information and resources: Be aware of all participants who require asthma medication. Collect medical information from all athletes at the start of the season. Check your club’s policy on administering asthma medication.
Be Prepared: Talk to parents or guardians about the triggers and appropriate action plan for their child. Access additional resources from The Lung Association and the Asthma Society about how to effectively plan for an athlete with asthma.
Communicate: With parents or guardians regularly about the current state of the child’s asthma, Communicate with other coaches, administrators, volunteers about the action plan for those with asthma. Leave medical information if you are away. Raise student awareness about the signs and symptoms of asthma and the steps to take in case of an emergency.
Develop Action Plans: Ensure that appropriate action plans are in place in case of an emergency. Develop a consistent plan to ensure the most current information about the athlete is available, the appropriate medications are accessible and that access to support and assistance are available. For more information and resources for developing an Emergency Action Plan click here
Children with asthma should be encouraged to participate in physical activities and sports. Children who are not active are more likely to become isolated, withdrawn and physically unconditioned. Being physically active can help children cope better when they have an asthma episode.
These tips can help prevent shortness of breath when exercising:
Develop a written Asthma Action Plan with your doctor. An example is available for downloading at www.on.lung.ca
Warm up before exercise and cool down after. This includes stretching and starting at a slower pace
If you get asthma symptoms from exercising, take your reliever inhaler 5-10 minutes before starting
Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when exercising outdoors in cold weather. Move your workout inside if air pollution or cold winter air aggravates your asthma when you exercise. Recreational swimming is especially suited for those with asthma because indoor pools have warm, moist environments.
For more information contact the Lung Association’s toll-free Asthma Action Helpline at 1-800-668-7682 to order your free copy of The New Asthma Action Handbook, which provides information on exercising with asthma
To order FREE asthma resources please click here
To access more resources related to asthma and coaching and physical activity, please click here
Useful weblinks
Allergy/Asthma Information Association: www.aaia.ca
Asthma Action Helpline www.on.lung.ca Free asthma information and advice is available from a certified asthma educator through the Lung Association’s Asthma Action Helpline. Call 1-800-668-7682 or email a certified asthma educator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Asthma Society of Canada www.asthma.ca/adults/community
Ontario Physical Health and Education www.Ophea.net
(article adapted from Ophea Asthma Education Initiative)
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