Winning with Asthma

Astudent-athlete playing soccer runs after the ball. As he sprints down the field, he begins to cough. He just can't seem to catch his breath today. As an athlete with asthma, he knows he's not feeling 100 percent, but he doesn't want to stop playing. He doesn't want anyone to know he has asthma. As he continues to run, his chest gets tighter. His breathing becomes shallow, and his coughing becomes more frequent. Suddenly, he falls to the ground. The teenager is having an asthma attack. What can the coach, the referee or a parent watching the game do? What is Asthma? Asthma is a pulmonary disease that results from oversensitivity of the airways in the lungs, causing the airways to narrow and clog in response to irritants like allergens, cold, dust, exercise, emotional stress or other stimulation. Asthma is the leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations in Marion County and the leading cause of school absenteeism. One in five households in Marion County will have a child affected by asthma. Winning with Asthma After seeing so many young student-athletes playing sports with asthma and so many more not playing because of asthma, the Asthma Alliance of Indianapolis (AAI) partnered with the Minnesota and the Utah Department of Health to present The Winning with Asthma program to the Indianapolis area. The program was funded by a grant from the Indiana Department of Health's Chronic Disease Management Program-and by sponsors such as Clarian Medical Center, the Marion County Health Department and the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent, allowing AAI to offer education in the area of asthma attack treatment and identifying warning signs. Coach's Clipboard Program The Winning with Asthma Coach's Clipboard Program was the brainchild of the Minnesota and the Utah Department of Health. Together, they created a 20-minute video discussing asthma and student-athletes and what coaches need to know before these athletes take the field. The free program begins with a 10-question pretest on asthma followed by a 20-minute video detailing exactly what asthma is, including: what to watch for, the medications, how to take and administer the medications, what the coach needs to know during an asthma attack and when to call Emergency Medical Services (911). After the video, a 10-question post-test is administered to measure the participant's newfound knowledge of asthma and asthma attack treatment. Once the program is completed, the participating coach will received a complimentary clipboard. A reminder list of steps to take as a coach during an asthma attack and when to call 911 will appear on the clipboard. The coach will also receive a copy of the program's video in booklet form as an additional resource to consult in case of an emergency or to share with assistants on staff. The booklet includes information on air quality, an inventory list for the team's medical bag and more facts and information on asthma. What is the AAI? The Asthma Alliance of Indianapolis is a group of about 60 health care professionals with varied backgrounds including pediatric medicine, nursing, respiratory therapy, social work and environmental health. The AAI has been active since 1997 with a focus on a multi-disciplinary approach to asthma education, prevention and treatment. To contact the AAI or for those with questions regarding asthma and the Winning with Asthma program can call (317) 221-2473. -