Indonesia
Don’t Worry If U Have Sport-Asthma
Linda and family went to mountainous area for a vacation. In a cottage, she found a good swimming pool. So, she wore a swimsuit and swam. However, in a couple minutes, she felt tightness in her chest, shortness of her breath, and fatigue hard. She got an EIA (Exercise-induced asthma).
Asthma is a chronic problem affecting the airways, Superkids. When we have asthma, the lung’s airways can become swollen, narrowed, and clogged with mucus. Then, we’ll have hard time breathing. If we have asthma symptoms only when we exercise, it is called EIA.
Exercising is not the cause of asthma flare-ups. However, when playing outdoors sports, we may face changes in temperature and humidity or face high level of pollution or allergens. Such changes in air condition can cause inflammation in airways. The inflammation is one of the causes of asthma flare-ups.
If asthma attack occurs, it’s important to act quickly to stop the episode. The attacks can occur very suddenly after you face the trigger. But it can also subside quickly when the trigger is removed or medication is administered.
The steps to treat asthma attack; stop all activity and try to stay calm, get away from or remove any triggers (smoke, dust, cold temperatures), take the prescription medication, try to slow or control any erratic breathing. If the symptoms continue, get medical attention quickly.
We are encouraged to continue exercising. Improved physical conditioning can decrease the incidence of asthma attacks. Exercise strengthens the breathing muscles and helps our lungs work better. The recommended activities include: walking, jogging, hiking, golf, football, gymnastics, shorter track and field events.
TEGUH WAHYU UTOMO
PHOTOS: THINKSTOCKS
