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Asthma is one of the most dangerous diseases in America, whether you are an athlete or not. If not taken care of, asthma can control your life. This article is primarily for the athlete who suffers from asthma. I have asthma, I suffered through it as a baseball player, and my playing career ended because of an asthma attack. I will outline basic tips on how to keep your asthma in check and how to prevent it from taking over your life.

Warning Signs:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in chest

To control your asthma attacks or at least keep them at a minimum number, avoid triggers. Some triggers are pollution, pollen, dust, mold, smoke, pet dander and changes in temperature. Some of these obviously can’t be avoided but can be controlled to a certain extent.

Tips to Control Your Asthma:

• For cold weather; bundle up.

Keep your chest covered and as warm as possible. If your lungs are exposed to cold weather for an extended period of time fluid will build in them. This could lead to bronchitis or an attack.

• Always, and I can’t stress this enough, keep a rescue inhaler with you at all times.

Even if you are not an athlete or are not partaking in physical activity, always keep that extra rescue inhaler in your pocket or in your bag. That rescue inhaler could literally be the difference between a stay in the hospital and a quick, painless attack.

• Use your Nebulizer.

If your doctor prescribes Nebulizer treatments; use them as prescribed. The medicine that is pumped into your lungs helps to open your airways and keep them open. They work like a charm and help you relax too.

• Never Hesitate to Get Help!

If you are an athlete; when you are at practice or a game and you are having trouble breathing, don’t hesitate to tell your coach or athletic trainer immediately so they can remove you from the field and get you medical attention. Asthma is nothing to be ashamed about or embarrassed about. Some of the greatest athletes suffer from asthma but keep it under control so it doesn’t affect their performance.

Athletes with Asthma:

• Jerome “The Bus” Bettis (former NFL running back)
• Isaiah Thomas (former NBA star and Coach)
• Denis Rodman (former NBA star)
• Dominique Wilkins (former basketball player)
• Jim “Catfish” Hunter (former MLB star)

These are just a few athletes who had stellar professional careers despite suffering from asthma throughout their daily lives. They certainly weren’t ashamed of their condition and neither should young athletes or anyone who suffers from this stressful condition.

To reiterate, asthma is a tricky sickness. If you suffer from asthma and let it fester without taking care of it then you will struggle during athletics and even everyday activities. So, take care of your asthma. Don’t let it get out of control and ruin or even control your life.

Suffering from asthma doesn’t have to ruin your life or even your daily activity. If you control your symptoms and keep it in check then you can lead a normal life. Life becomes difficult when you let asthma take over. If your asthma snowballs to the point where it is too difficult to keep in check, and your doctor advises you to stop playing sports, there are other ways to continue with the sport you love so dearly. I had to make that decision, it wasn’t an easy one, but I had to back away from playing baseball.

Different Careers:

• Journalism (beat writers for sports teams)
• Broadcasting (radio or TV announcing for sports teams)
• Coaching (return to your alma-mater and coach)
• Athletic Training (become a trainer and help athletes with injuries)
• Sports Management (become a sports agent for professional players)
• Sports Administration (become a collegiate or high school Athletic Director)

There are plenty of different directions to turn if playing the sport you love doesn’t work out because your asthma is too difficult to play with. Never turn your back on what you love completely because you are limited by your condition. Take another route. I have. I majored in Radio/TV/Film in college with a minor in Journalism and am finishing up my second season as a high school baseball coach at my alma-mater, Holy Cross High School. Asthma might prevent you from playing the sport you love but it can’t keep you away from it forever.