Sports, Other Activities, and Asthma

If you can't keep up with the other kids in gym class, can't seem to be able to "get in shape" no matter
how much you work out, or have trouble breathing after exercise when your classmates don't, then
exercise might be triggering your asthma. There are ways to manage asthma that is triggered by
exercise, and having your asthma under control will keep you breathing easy at the top of your game!
Read on to learn about asthma in sports and other activities.

Just the facts:

• The fitter you are, the better your lungs work.

• The better your lungs work, the fewer problems you should have with your asthma.
• The fewer problems you have with your asthma, the better you'll feel and the more you'll be
able to do.
• There are lots of ways to get exercise. Find one that you like, and work with your doctor
or asthma educator to keep asthma under control.
• Having an Asthma Action Plan takes all the mystery out of treating your asthma. Make sure
your coaches have a copy, and know what to do if you need help.

Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA)

Some people have asthma that is triggered only by physical activity, called exercise-induced asthma
(EIA). Just as with other asthma triggers, a person who is triggered into an asthma attack by
exercise has airways that narrow and tighten after they begin exercising. Fast, hard breathing,
coughing, wheezing and a tight chest are signs of an asthma attack. An asthma attack can be very
serious, even life-threatening.

• Symptoms of EIA can be made much worse with seasonal allergies.

• The symptoms usually start during exercise or within 5 to 10 minutes after exercise, and may
last as long as 30 minutes.
• If a person with EIA doesn't get treatment, they will often limit themselves from taking part in
sports or other activities. Remember, EIA can be controlled, so that people who suffer from it
can be as active as they want to be.

Asthma Action Plans

Make sure you talk to your doctor or asthma educator about what to do before, during and after
exercise to keep you from having asthma symptoms. Then follow the Asthma Action Plan prescribed by
your doctor. The following steps can help you and your doctor make a plan that works for you:

• Keep an activity diary in which you write down your activities and when you have asthma
symptoms. It's a good idea to write down the steps you took to get relief, too, so that you can
show your doctor how the treatment plan is working.
• When you take your medication can be very important. Ask your doctor about the best times to
take each of your medications in relation to your exercise schedule.
• When you are being active, pay attention to the kinds of exercises that feel best to you, and the
amount of time you can do them without asthma symptoms. For example, can you get
through a whole marching band or football practice? How far can you run comfortably? By telling
the doctor about your limits and abilities, he or she may be able to help you increase them, or
help you find new ways to be active.
• If you follow your Asthma Action Plan and still have trouble breathing while working out, tell
your doctor. He or she should be able to tweak the plan to keep you breathing easy.

Which sport or activity is best for you?

If your asthma is under control, then you should be able to do pretty much anything you enjoy. On the
other hand, there are a few things you should think about when choosing a sport or activity:
Season: Does your asthma get worse in different seasons? If it does you may want to think about what
season your activity takes place in. For example, if pollen makes you wheeze, spring training for
baseball may give you trouble. This doesn't mean that you can't play baseball. It means that you
should talk to your doctor or asthma educator to make sure your medications will keep you symptom-
free while you play.

Time Outs: Sometimes people with asthma do better in activities with definite starts and stops. Some
activities with built in "time outs" for rest include baseball, gymnastics and marching band. Sports like
soccer don’t allow as much rest time, and this may make the sport hard if your asthma is severe. In
these kinds of sports, think about playing a position that doesn’t require quite so much running, and
you can still be involved and have fun.

The big picture: An activity may seem like a good fit for you in some ways, but there may be other
reasons not to choose it. For example, swimming is frequently a great choice because the added
moisture in the air at the pool soothes inflamed lungs. On the other hand, some people have asthma
that is triggered by chlorine. So look at the whole environment of the activity before you make your
choice.

What are the best ways to deal with asthma and exercise?
Try these tips:

• Start with a 15-minute warm-up to allow the lungs to adjust to the increased demand for
oxygen.
• In cold weather, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf to help warm the air before it gets to
the lungs.
• Avoid triggers that may cause or worsen your asthma (for example, don't exercise outdoors
when pollen counts are high if pollen is a trigger for you).
• End with a 15-minute cool-down rather than stopping abruptly.
• Follow your doctor's instructions about using asthma medication before or after exercise. If
you're on a team, be sure your coach has a copy of your Asthma Action Plan.

Be extra careful when:

• You've got a cold or other viral infection

• It's pollen season, or a cold, dry day (if these are your triggers)

With these added problems, even gentle exercise could trigger an asthma attack.

If you have symptoms, use a quick-relief medicine right away. Don't push yourself. Stop and
rest if you need to.

Remember, long-term controller medicines like corticosteriods (such as Flovent or Pulmicort)

should not be taken during an asthma attack because they do not open the airways quickly. If you don't
know which inhaler is the right one to take for quick relief, ask your doctor, asthma educator or
pharmacist to tell you before you need it in a hurry.
Who says you can't be great?

• At the 1996 Olympic Games, at least one in six athletes from the U.S. had a history of asthma,
had taken asthma medications or had symptoms that suggested asthma. In fact, the athletes
with asthma won just as many team or individual medals as their peers without asthma.

• Did you know that some famous athletes have asthma? These athletes have learned to control
their symptoms, and perform at the top level of their sport.
o Jerome Bettis – professional football player
o Bruce Davidson – Olympic equestrian
o Tom Dolan – Olympic medalist, swimming
o Chris Draft – professional football player
o Kurt Grote – Olympic medalist, swimming
o Nancy Hogshead – Olympic medalist, swimming
o Juwan Howard – professional basketball player
o Jim "Catfish" Hunter – professional baseball player
o Jackie Joyner-Kersee – Olympic medalist, track
o Bill Koch – Olympic medalist, cross-country skiing
o Greg Louganis – Olympic medalist, diving
o Tom Malchow – Olympic medalist, swimming
o Debbie Meyer – Olympic medalist, swimming
o Art Monk – professional football player
o George Murray – wheelchair athlete & Boston Marathon winner
o Robert Muzzio – decathlete
o Dennis Rodman – professional basketball player
o Jim Ryun – Olympic medalist, track
o Alberto Salazar – marathon runner
o Emmitt Smith – professional football player
o Karin Smith – Olympic javelin specialist
o Isaiah Thomas – professional basketball player
o Amy VanDyken – Olympic medalist, swimming
o Bonnie Warner – Olympic Luge specialist
o Dominique Wilkins – professional basketball player
o Kristi Yamaguchi – Olympic medalist, figure skating
o Theresa Zabell – Olympic medalist, sailing
Exercises For People With Heart Conditions

There are many different types of heart Conditions and diseases, such as Congestive Heart Failure and
Coronary Heart Failure, Valvular Heart Disease, just to name a few. Depending on which type of heart
condition you suffer with you should choose a fitness training program for that particular type of
disease. There are many fitness training programs available, so be sure and tell your personal fitness
trainer if you decide to get one, what kind of heart disease you are suffering from so he she can decide
on the type of training program that will suit you best. Always consult your physician before beginning
any of the exercises.

Research has shown that people suffering with peripheral artery disease can use aerobic arm exercises
to help reduce pain in their legs. This exercise consists of an arm ergo meter (a tool that rests on the
table) which has pedals like a regular bicycle but are operated by the arms instead of the legs. Also
treadmill training can also be beneficial to people suffering with this type of heart condition. These
exercises drastically improve the walking distance for a person suffering with this type of heart
condition.

Regular aerobic exercise training has been proven to be beneficial in patients suffering with severely
reduced left ventricular function and moderate aerobic training in these patients have proven to be
safe. The amelioration of exercise capacity also plays an important factor in amelioration of the left
ventiruclar function and diameter. Exercise training should be started in patients suffering with reduced
left ventiruclar function but only under strict supervision by a qualified instructor in a rehabilitation
program. This will get them accustomed to regular physical exercise and give them the time they need
to learn about their physical limits and to determine the proper exercise intensity.

Some benefits of exercise training for people suffering with heart conditions are; improved electrical
stability of the heart muscle, which can reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack. It also helps to reduce
the risk of blood clots and cardiac work and also reduces the level of oxygen requirements. So the final
analysis is training can be beneficial to patients who suffer from heart conditions, as long as they take
the precautionary measures, such as consulting their physicians before attempting any form of exercise
and to ensure that their training is supervised by a professional trainer in a rehabilitation program.
What causes asthma?
All of us have heard of asthma and know that it is something to do with difficulty breathing, but unless
you have experienced it first hand in yourself or with your child, you have no idea of the terror this
condition can bestow. Asthma attacks can be very frightening and there is often panic. Although there
are varying degrees of the disease, it can be life threatening. If you or a family member has asthma,
prepare an emergency plan ahead of time. If the attacks are usually mild, you may have a routine of
medications, such as an inhaler that is kept on the person at all times. For a more serious attack,
however, have a plan of action. Talk to your doctor about keeping an injectable bronchodilator in the
house. Have emergency call numbers posted by and/or on the phone itself. Talk to all members, even
younger members of the family and explain to them about calling 911 for emergencies, like when
"Johnny" is having trouble breathing.
Now let's talk about this terrential disease, asthma, in more detail. Asthma is a disease that effects the
bronchial tubes. It is a direct result of allergies. Asthma is a very scary thing for any person, especially
a young child. The bronchial tubes of people with asthma are very sensitive to substances that they are
allergic to. These irritants cause the bronchial tubes to swell. Asthma has exacerbations or "attacks", as
most people call them. An asthma attack can occur when someone is exposed to the irritants they are
highly allergic to. As of yet, there is no cure for asthma, but doctors are learning more about it. Most
persons develop asthma in childhood, but some peopledevelop asthma as adults. It usually gets
progressively worse in adults, leading to emphysema. About one in four persons who develop the
disease in childhood will have a spontaneous recovery
he symptoms include: wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness of the chest, the person
may turn bluish in color and after have weakness, rapid pulse and even nausea and chest pain. Things
that can cause an asthma attack, depending on the person, as different people are allergic to different
things, include, but are not limited to:

-certain foods

-certain medicines

-air pollution

-smoke

-molds

-perfumes

-dust

-fumes

-additives and preservatives in certain foods such as wine, salad dressings, beer, dehydrated soups.

-hair spray, spray deoderants

-pollen

other things such as:

-emotional stress

-exercise

-temperature changes

-medications
-sinus and other infections

Treatment and care of asthma is directed toward immediate relief of the attack. Parents of asthmatic
children may anticipate an approaching attack and medication that provides sedation and
bronchodilation. The control of asthma depends on finding the cause and eliminating it. No smoking for
adults who have asthma. There are two kinds of asthma medicines: those that relieve airway
constriction and those that reduce swelling and inflammation like steroids. They are usually given via
inhalers but pills are used as well. In some cases, studies have shown that coffee, can help relieve an
acute asthma attack, supposedly because of the caffiene and heat.

A peak flow meter is an instrument needed by asthmatics. Your doctor can give you one. It is a simple
hand held device that is an important part of controlling asthma. It measures the rate of air exhaled
from the lungs. You take a deep breath, then blow into it. It records a number. Do it three times.
Whatever your best score was, is YOUR peak flow personal best number. Do it everyday for a couple of
weeks to make sure you have YOUR personal best right. After you know your best number, let your
doctor know. This will help him treat YOUR asthma best.

An asthma attack is very scary, especially for a child. Try to keep them calm and stay with them. If an
asthma attack is severe, 911 should be activated and hospitalization is sometimes required. Reducing
exposure to allergens and keeping the person calm and limit exposure to drastic temperature changes
and avoid foods that the person is allergic to.

Ways to reduce exposure to allergens that can precipitate asthma attacks are:

-Clean carpets

-wash pillowcases and sheets in hot water weekly

-wash your hands regularly to avoid exposure to illness

-remove rugs, carpets and drapes which collect dust

-keep your windows closed

-keep air conditioning on, but make sure your ducts and filters are kept clean

-keep animals outside

EXERCISES FOR PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA AND HEART
ATTACK

How often patients should exercise?

Both asthma patients and others should exercise four to five times a week for half an hour. However, a
doctor would be able to guide you about the amount of exercise you can do safely.

Exercises for Asthma patients and patients with heart problems

Asthmatics should opt for exercises that involve short, intermittent periods of exertion. Even games such as
volleyball, gymnastics, baseball and wrestling are permissible. But of course, you have to take your
previousfitness level into account before taking up any sport.
The rule is to avoid long term exertion. Most sports fall under this category. For instance, long distance running,
football, skiing, skating etc. How Often should exercise?

Swimming is generally alright.

Outdoor and indoor biking, aerobics, walking, or running on a treadmill can be explored by asthma patients.

Precautions
Use your asthma inhalers (inhaled bronchodilators) or drink your blockers before exercise, wear warm clothes or
stay indoors if it is cold outside, do not exercise when you are have a cold and never forget to warm up before
exercise.

In Case of Emergency
Use your inhaled medication (quick relief medication like albuterol) or drink your prescribed medicine if you
experience asthma symptoms during exercise. You may continue if that gives total relief. But if symptoms persist,
call the doctor.

What Causes a Heart Attack?

Most heart attacks occur as a result of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the buildup over time of a material called
plaque on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Eventually, a section of plaque can break open, causing a blood clot
to form at the site. A heart attack occurs if the clot becomes large enough to cut off most or all of the blood flow through
the artery.

Coronary Artery With Plaque Build-up

The illustration shows a normal artery with normal blood flow (figure A) and an artery containing plaque buildup
(figure B).

The blocked blood flow prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the part of the heart muscle fed by the artery. The
lack of oxygen damages the heart muscle. If the blockage isn’t treated quickly, the damaged heart muscle begins to
die.

Heart attack also can occur due to problems with the very small, microscopic blood vessels of the heart. This condition
is called microvascular disease. It’s believed to be more common in women than in men.

Another less common cause of heart attack is a severe spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery that cuts off blood flow
through the artery. These spasms can occur in coronary arteries that don’t have CAD. It’s not always clear what
causes a coronary artery spasm, but sometimes it can be related to:

• Taking certain drugs, such as cocaine

• Emotional stress or pain
• Exposure to extreme cold
• Cigarette smoking
astHmA
HeArt
aTtAck
 PEN 111

Submitted By: Submitted to:

Cheere Bee May Tacluyan Prof. Pelagio