Asthma overview explanations _ppt_21.pdf

asthma

1. ASTHMA
URI SPORTS MEDICINE
“National Athletic Trainer’s Association Position
Statement: Management of Asthma in Athletes.”
Journal of Athletic Training: 2005;40(3):224-245.
ANDY LLAGUNO MSED, ATC, CSCS, PES

2. RECOMMENDATIONS
„Asthma Identification and Diagnosis:
1. Preparticipation screening for all athletes
„Thorough history
„Screening evaluations (spirometry testing, challenge testing) for
special circumstances.
2. Athletic trainers know major signs and symptoms of asthma
„And associated conditions
3. Screening questions

3. ASTHMA IDENTIFICATION AND
DIAGNOSIS
„4. Athletes with:
„Atypical symptoms, or
„Persistent symptoms despite therapy, or
„Other complications that may make asthma worse-
„Are referred to a physician for testing:
„Stress ECG
„Upper airway laryngoscopy or rhinoscopy
„Echocardiogram
„Upper endoscopy

4. ASTHMA IDENTIFICATION AND
DIAGNOSIS –ASSOCIATED
CONDITIONS
„Chest tightness/pain
„Coughing
„especially at night
„Prolonged shortness of breath
„Difficulty sleeping
„Wheezing
„especially after exercise

5. ASTHMA IDENTIFICATION AND
DIAGNOSIS –ASSOCIATED
CONDITIONS
„Inability to catch one’s breath
„Physical activities are affected by breathing difficulty
„Use of accessory muscles for breathing
„Difficulty breathing when waking up
„Difficulty breathing when exposed to allergens/irritants

6. ASTHMA IDENTIFICATION AND
DIAGNOSIS –ASSOCIATED
CONDITIONS
„Exercise-induced symptoms
„Coughing, wheezing
„Athlete who is well-conditioned, but cannot perform at same
level as an athlete without asthma
„Family history
„History of atopy
„Atopic dermatitis/eczema or hay fever

7. ASTHMA –PULMONARY
FUNCTION TESTING
„Athletes with a history of asthmaor those
suspectedof having asthma:
„Consult physician to determine asthma severity
„Exercise challenge test:
„Sport-specific protocol
„Replicate activity that triggers asthma
„Follow-up exams with physician for athletes
with asthma
„At least every 6-12 months

8. ASTHMA MANAGEMENT
„Athletic trainers have plan of action for life-
threatening attacks
„Contact with emergency medical care
„Emergency room referral
„Pulmonary function measuring devices
„Nebulizer
„All athletes with asthma should have a
rescue inhaler available during games and
practices.

9. ASTHMA MANAGEMENT
„Practice sites
„Indoors with good ventilation, when possible
„Limit exposure to asthma triggers (outdoor allergens and irritants)
„Schedule practices when pollen counts are lowest

10. ASTHMA TREATMENT
„Short-acting B2-agonists
„Albuterol
„Inhale 10-15 minutes before exercise
„Non-pharmacologic treatments/strategies:
„Nose breathing
„Limit exposure to allergens/pollutants
„Air filtration systems

11. ASTHMA TREATMENT
„Proper warm-up:
„Refractory period of up to 2 hours follows a proper warm-up
„Decreased reliance on medication by some athletes
„Smoking cessation for athletes with asthma

12. REMINDERS
„Use inhaler 10-15 minutes PRIOR to exercise.
„Make sure your athletic trainer has an extra
inhaler if your team is traveling.
„Pick up an extra inhaler at Health Services
pharmacy at URI
„Have your inhaler available at practice and
games.
„Keep inhaler in a labeled bag –easy for
athletic trainer or coach to find.