Quick Facts for Coaches - Asthma

What is Asthma: A disease of the airways and the lungs causing swelling of airways, constriction of the muscles around airways, inflammation; may be brought on by exercise, upper respiratory infections, pollutants, and airway irritants.

Symptoms:
Cough
Wheeze
Difficulty breathing (out of proportion to exercise intensity)
Tightness in chest
Fatigue
Excessive sputum production with exercise
Poorer performance than training would predict
Stomachache
Sore throat with exercise
Decrease exercise endurance
Inability to keep up with peers of similar skill/ability

What Can You Do: Athlete should stop all activity
Give Inhaler 2-4 puffs (according to directions)
Watch to see how they respond to medication

If emergency action is needed call 9-1-1
If any blueness of lips or fingernails
If athlete cannot complete a 5 word sentence
If athlete is disoriented
If athlete has trouble walking or is breathing hunched over