Did you know?

Research shows that physical activity is essential to our health and wellbeing.

80% of people with asthma have symptoms that are triggered by exercise.

Exercise induced asthma occurs in 23% of school children.

The following sporting heroes have proven that anyone with asthma can be successful in their chosen sport:

Susie Maroney Samantha Riley Jeff Fenech

Liz Weekes Tony Lockett Matt Shirvington

Steve Mortimer Paul Kelly Alan Border

Matt Dunn

Activity is an important part of life and asthma should not stop or restrict your daily activities, such as walking, playing sport or general household duties. In fact if you have asthma, regular physical activity can improve your general health and wellbeing.

“Not being able to breathe is very scary, especially because asthma can catch you by surprise,” says Nicole Lewis-Jacobs, a National Sport Aerobic Champion. “I became more involved in sport and exercise because I was asthmatic”.

Nicole’s sport is extremely physically demanding and yet she has shown what can be achieved when asthma is actively managed.

Many other well-known Australian sports personalities have asthma and their achievements provide testament that anyone with asthma can still be active in their chosen sport and live life to the full.

Take the time now to learn how to manage your asthma so that you can enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Simply see your doctor regularly, enrol in the Asthma 3+ visit plan and ask about an Asthma Action Plan

What is asthma?

People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When they are exposed to certain triggers, their airways narrow (see picture) making it hard for them to breathe.

There are two main factors that cause airways to become narrow:

1. The inside lining of the airway becomes red and swollen (this is called inflammation) and extra mucus (sticky fluid) may be produced.

2. The muscles around the airways tightens (this is called bronchoconstriction).

What are the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma?

Shortness of breath during or after physical activity is common. However, if you:

cough
feel tight in the chest
feel short of breath or
wheeze

with physical exertion and these symptoms do not improve with rest within minutes, take your reliever and see your doctor for advice as you may have exercise induced asthma (EIA).

How to prepare before exercise or activity if you have asthma:

Use your blue reliever medication 5-10 minutes before you warm up.
Some preventer medications and some symptom controller medications may also be used to help prevent exercise-induced asthma. Your doctor will advise you on the most suitable medication.
Always warm up before exercise or activity by doing 15-20 minutes of light, intermittent exercises and stretching or 5-7 x 30-second sprints every 2-3 minutes about 30 minutes before exercise.
Always carry your blue reliever medication in case you need it.
Always cool down following exercise or activity.

The Tennis Coach would like to thank Asthma NSW for allowing us to run this important message. For more information please contact Asthma NSW at www.asthmansw.org.au or

Australia Toll Free on 1800 645 130