By Steve Horan
"A lot of athletes walk around undiagnosed, because they assume they are just that much out of shape when they have trouble breathing, and simply need to work harder. Maybe coaches should be more aware of this. Maybe there's a point where instead of assuming someone who repeatedly is out of breath is sucking wind because of laziness, the coach should suggest getting tested for exercise-induced asthma." (An athlete with asthma)
As suggested by this perspective from a college athlete, asthma is a serious issue for athletes and coaches alike. The good news is that athletes with asthma can be highly successful, so long as they follow their protocols for controlling the disease. The bad news is that many coaches view asthma as a weakness to be avoided rather than a common physical condition to be controlled. As a result, many highly dedicated and talented athletes are denied the chance to contribute to their teams. Here are some guidelines and resources for coaching the athlete with asthma.
1. Be aware of asthma
Coaches of any sport requiring substantial lung capacity should be aware of asthma as a potential problem for their athletes. In addition to watching our known asthmatic athletes closely, we need to stay alert for undiagnosed asthma. In particular, look for well-conditioned athletes who occasionally appear slower, mentally sluggish, or out of wind. They might actually be having an asthmatic episode without being aware of it. Suggest a doctor visit for these athletes.
2. Get educated - and prepared
Asthma can be managed effectively with a team approach. Poll your athletes and/or parents to determine whether any of your athletes have asthma. Then work with the athlete/parent to put an asthma management plan in place. In addition, coaches should be aware of conditions which can trigger asthma attacks so that steps can be taken to help the athlete avoid problems. The Learn More section below contains several excellent sources with details on how to coach asthmatic athletes.
3. Be supportive
Many athletes will try to cover up their asthma for fear of losing their position or being viewed as a 'health liability.' Consider these words from Jackie Joyner Kersey, perhaps the greatest female athlete of all time:
If you're an athlete, that's the last thing you want to be--labeled as having any kind of disease," Jackie admits to JET Magazine. "People look at people with asthma like they're weak. Like something is wrong with them. You don't want to be the one who's always bent over on your knees, unable to breathe."
If the Jackie Joyner Kerseys of the world hide their asthma, what about the average athlete who wants to make a good impression on us? He or she is likely to hide or ignore symptoms to avoid looking weak or out of shape. An athlete hiding asthma can end up with a serious attack leading to hospitalization or even death. This is always tragic because it is so unnecessary.
It is imperative that coaches work with their athletes to help them manage their asthma. When we become partners with our asthmatic athletes, we not only keep them safe, we help them perform to the best of their ability. There are countless highly successful athletes playing at all levels of sport today. Most of them are achieving their best with the help of a caring and supportive coach.
Learn More
Click these links for professional advice and practical tools for coaching athletes wtih asthma.
Policy Statement on Asthma
From the National Athletic Trainer's Association