Asthma

Asthma is a very common disease that affects about 1 in every 8 children and 1 in every 20 adults.  With such high numbers of children affected every coach should at least be aware of some of the symptoms in order to be able to react appropriately. Although Asthma can start in childhood, it can and does frequently start at any age. It can get better and even clear up completely before the age of 20, however approximately 50% of asthmatics will continue with problems into their adulthood.

The causes of Asthma are unknown despite vast quantities of research being done. There are a number of contributory factors such as allergies and genetics. Asthma can get worse for no apparent reason but just as easily disappear completely.

As mentioned Asthmas can run in families but often Asthmatics have no history of relatives who have had it. It cannot be cured at this time but it can be controlled so that attacks can be prevented.  The majority of Asthmatics who follow medical advice and use the correct medication can live perfectly normal lives without having to miss out on education, work or sport.

In people with Asthma the bronchial tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs are irritable because of inflammation. Once inflamed they narrow, which makes the transfer of air much more difficult.

The symptoms of Asthma are shortness of breath, wheezing and a tightness across the chest. As well as this phlegm can be produced which can be coughed up or continue to produce a restrictive feeling in the chest. It is because these symptoms are often worse at night, a coach taking a group of players to tours or trips away, will need to be fully prepared for these symptoms to arise.

The treatments our players might use that a coach needs to aware of are different types pf inhaler, commonly referred to as ’puffers’ or medication in the form of tablets. ‘Relievers’ are for immediate relief of symptoms and can be taken as required but other treatments such as inhaled steroids must be taken regularly.  

Coaches need to be aware that:

• Many players with Asthma can and perform to the highest level of football.
• If players in your team suffer from colds this could make Asthma worse.
• Asthmas can be set off by allergies, one of the most common being grass pollen, from the areas we normally play and train on.
• Emotion, anger, anxiety or even happiness can often lead to Asthma attacks.
• Changes in weather and running in cold temperatures can set off an attack.
• Coaches must have up to date medical information on all their players and in the case of players with Asthma you should have a spare pump supplied by the parents / carers for emergency use during training or games. This pump should be checked and replaced regularly.  On too many occasions coaches have tried to use their emergency spare pump, only to find it empty or passed its safe user date.