Those who are untrained quickly run out of breath in everyday life. This is especially true for asthma sufferers. Athletically active patients have attacks less often and cope better with their disease. Regular sport exercises the lungs, strengthens the respiratory muscles and protects against infections. Endurance sports with a steady load, such as swimming, cycling, rowing, jogging or walking, are best suited for asthma patients. Short fast sprints, such as in soccer or tennis, are not recommended.
Asthma and the consequences
The cause of asthma is chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. The result is hypersensitive airways. In response to certain stimuli, the muscles of the bronchial tubes contract, the mucous membrane swells and produces more mucus, so that hardly any air can pass through. Patients then suffer from shortness of breath.
In addition to allergic causes (e.g. pollen or animal hair allergy), non-allergic stimuli (e.g. smoke, dust) and viral infections, physical exertion is one of the most important triggers for asthma. Asthma comes on in attacks and can be very sudden. It is therefore quite important that sufferers and also their sports teachers and coaches have basic knowledge about the disease and know the necessary emergency measures.
Being able to cope with the disease
A prerequisite for asthmatics who want to play sports is that they are under medical treatment and well controlled with medication. Most patients take sprays containing cortisone to decongest the bronchial tubes and prevent inflammation and allergic reactions. In addition, sprays and tablets are used to dilate the bronchial tubes and airways. Relaxation training can support drug treatment and make it easier to cope with the disease.
An important goal is for those affected to learn to assess their condition correctly. Those who have learned to deal with their disease can also compete against others in international competitions if they have the necessary talent and training. Famous examples of top athletes with asthma are speed skater Anni Friesinger, swimmer Sandra Völker and cyclist Jan Ullrich.
Prerequisite: training courses
Asthmatics can learn how to manage their disease in special training courses. These training courses provide basic knowledge about the disease, treatment options and the correct use of the peak flow meter, self-responsible dosage adjustment of medications, correct inhalation techniques and the right behavior during an attack.
Such training programs are also available for children. Among other things, the aim is to teach children how resilient they actually are, because many – like their parents – are very afraid of an asthma attack and avoid any exertion.
Check lung function
Athletically active asthmatics should check their lung function before and during exercise. This can be done with a peak flow meter, a small device that measures the velocity of the air you breathe. Overexertion can trigger an asthma attack. Keep a spray on hand to relieve an acute attack in case of an emergency.
Many asthmatics are weather dependent: Fog and cold are particularly stressful. At temperatures below four degrees and in fog, it is therefore not advisable to exercise outside. Allergy sufferers must watch out for pollen and ozone pollution. Under such conditions, it is better to move sports activities indoors to a gym. According to the German Allergy and Asthma Association, around 100 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, and in Germany it affects more than five percent of all children and adults.
Medicine distinguishes between two forms:
- Allergic asthma, triggered by animal dander, pollen, mold or mites.
- Non-allergic asthma, which can be triggered by smoke and dust, for example. Other factors such as physical stress, painkillers, as well as pollutants in the air we breathe can also trigger an asthma attack.
Chronic asthma occurs when the cilia in the bronchi are damaged. The mucus that occurs is not transported further and the bronchi become inflamed more often. In children with asthma, there is a good chance of cure; in adults, the disease can only be alleviated.
