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Asthma

Asthma Management Plan | Emergency Plan | Exercise Induced Asthma

What does it feel like?

Asthma Management Plan

Know the severity of your asthma and establish an action management plan with your doctor.
Achieve your best lung function (Peak Flow Test)
Avoid 'trigger' factors where possible
Stay at your best by using the right medication the right way and learn about:

Relievers

use 5-10 mins prior to exercise and during exercise
when necessary

blue/grey puffers (Bricanyl, Respolin, Ventolin)

Preventers

take regularly as directed by your doctor

white (with blue cap) (intal)
white (with red cap) (intal forte)
yellow (with blue cap) (Tilade)
cream/brown (Becotide)
yellow (Becloforte)
brown/white (Pulmicort)

Know your action plan

Make sure your team mates and coach are aware of
your condition and action plan

Check your asthma regularly with your doctor

Pre-Exercise WarmUp

Try to avoid:

allergy triggers (eg: dust, pollens, grasses)
exercising in cold air (eg: early morning or evening)
vigorous exercise when you have a viral infection
exercise if you are wheezy or have chest tightness

E.I.A. can be reduced or prevented by following a warm-up plan:

Use your blue, grey and/or white puffer 5-10 mins before exercise
Do a 2-3minute jog to raise a light sweat
Stretch and hold stretch for 10-20 secs
Either five to seven 30 second sprints, with 1/2 to 1 minute rest in between.
(eg running on the spot or 200 - 300m sprints)

or a brisk walk/slow jog for 20 - 30 minutes
DO NOT BOUNCE
stretch gently and slowly, keep breathing
stretch to the point of tension NEVER PAIN

*Entire stretching session should take 5-15 minutes*

Two different types of warm-up routines have been shown to be effective in reducing E.I.A. either five to seven 30 second sprints, with 1/2 - 1 minute rest in between

[eg: running on the spot or 200 - 300m sprints]
or a brisk walk/slow jog for 20-30 minutes

for a complete list of stretches refer to SPORTS MEDICINE AUSTRALIA'S "Stretching Brochure"

(Available from your local National Pharmacies)

During Exercise

If you develop

Exercise Induced Asthma

STOP

use your BLUE/GREY RELIEVER PUFFER

Bricanyl Inhaler 2 puffs
Bricanyl Turbuhaler 1 breath
Ventolin Inhaler 2 puffs
Respolin Inhaler 2 puffs
Respolin Autohaler 2 breaths

Resume exercise only when you are free of symptoms

If symptoms recur

use your puffer (as above)
do not return to sport
see your doctor

In cases of severe asthma follow the emergency plan

COOL DOWN
WHY?	To help remove muscle waste products To enable you to compete again at the same level within a short period of time
HOW?	Do a 2-3 minute light jog immediately after exercise, then 5-10 minutes of stretching
	IF YOU STILL GET E.I.A.
CONSULT	your doctor who may recommend a change in your pre exercise medication regular preventative medication in your overall asthma plan
DRUG TESTING	If you are eligible for drug testing and are taking medication for your asthma you should: Check the drug policy of your National Sporting Organisation; Consult a Sports Doctor for advice on which medication(s)you are permitted to use; Or contact the Drugs in Sport Hotline l8OO O2O 5O6.

Emergency Plan

Assess

Mild - Short of breath, wheeze

Moderate - Loud wheeze, breathing difficulty, able to speak in short sentences of five words or less

Severe - Distressed, gasping for breath, difficulty speaking two words

Sit

the person upright and give reassurance

Treat

with 4 separate puffs of

BLUE/GREY RELIEVER PUFFER

every 4 minutes (with spacer if available)

Help

If severe or not improving after 4 minutes, call for an ambulance (phone 000).

Continue to use BLUE/GREY RELIEVER PUFFER (4 puffs every four minutes) until help arrives.

Monitor

If improving after 4 minutes continue to monitor.

If necessary repeat BLUE/GREY RELIEVER PUFFER (4 puffs every four minutes).

All OK

When FREE of wheeze, cough, chest tightness and any breathlessness, RETURN TO SPORT. If symptoms RECUR, REPEAT emergency procedures above but DO NOT return to sport - see your doctor.

Exercise Induced Asthma

E.I.A.?

Occurs during or shortly after exercise
A condition varying from - mild cough, chest tightness -wheezing, to- severe breathing difficulties

HOW

Airways in the lungs become narrow due to spasm and swelling of the airway walls
During exercise heat and water are lost from the airways and this change is thought to trigger Exercise Induced Asthma.

Asthma and Sport

Asthma triggers

Exercise
Allergens (grass, lawn cuttings, pollen, cats or dogs)
Infections
Cold air
Stress
Chemical irritants and some medications

Remember

Well controlled asthma should allow you to exercise and play most sports (however asthmatics should not scuba dive)
Many athletes with asthma compete at the highest level
Good management of your asthma is essential to achieve your best performance
Exercise safely and regularly to improve your fitness and lung function

Activities where less Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA) occurs are : -

Swimming
Walking
Cycling
Tennis