Risk Management and Asthma
Click the link below to read the NATA position statement about Management of Athletes with Asthma
http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/MgmtOfAsthmaInAthletes.pdf
From: http://www.who.int/respiratory/asthma/franciscoq_large.jpg
An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from asthma. Prevention and risk management is key to keeping asthma patients healthy.Prevention focuses on modification of environmental and behavioral factors. The reduction or elimination of asthma triggers are the most effective approaches to minimizing the health risks of asthma.
Factors that may trigger an asthma attack:
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Dust
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Fumes
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Aerosols
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Cold air
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Smoking
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Pets
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Pollen
So how do you reduce the risk of an asthma attack?
If possible, keep your patient away from any of the factors or things known to induce an asthma attack. Always know the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack, which are discussed here. An asthma patient should always have their corticosteriod with them (usually in the form of an inhaler), however if you are close to the patient or in charge of their health, you should have an emergency inhaler on hand.
("Guidlines for Assessing...", 2004)
