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Asthma: learn from the champions

Not many people know that at least 10% of Olympic athletes are asthma sufferers, or that many Olympic gold medals have been won by Australian athletes with asthma. This proves that, with the right treatment, nothing should stand in your way of achieving your goals.

Asthma can strike at any age. Most people get it before they turn five, but many women get asthma for the first time only in their forties, possibly as a result of hormonal imbalances. Interestingly, Olympic athletes are more likely to have asthma than the general population.

You don't outgrow asthma, either. "Adults simply handle it better," says pulmonologist Dr Hannes van Rensburg. "Children's airways are still developing. As they grow, their asthma improves. But asthma can come back when you're older and when there's a trigger, for example a specific allergen."

As an adult, you shouldn't underestimate the seriousness of your asthma: an attack can be deadly. Fortunately, the chances of dying are slim thanks to the advances in asthma medication.

A two-fold treatment approach
According to Dr André van Niekerk, a paediatric pulmonologist, modern asthma medication is excellent. You just have to use the right one.

Asthma is actually two diseases in one: the chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes coupled with the sudden onset of bronchial spasms. That's why treatment has to be twofold, aimed at both prevention and relief. Cortisone inhalers are the preventers; bronchodilator inhalers are the relievers.

The two types of medication are so effective when used in tandem that it's unacceptable for anyone receiving treatment to show any asthma symptoms, experts say.

Beware, though. Specialists warn you shouldn't depend just on relief medications – you should use both kinds of inhalers. Those used to relieve symptoms open your bronchial tubes for only a short time and they don't have any effect on the underlying inflammation.

Avoid common asthma triggers
One of the other important steps in managing asthma is to try to avoid common asthma triggers – and triggers that seem to be particularly harmful to you. These can include one or more of the following:

Tobacco smoke – This is a common and powerful trigger. Don’t smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke as far as possible.
Dust mites – Clean your house regularly, and use mattress and pillow covers to create a barrier between dust mites and yourself, and keep your linen clean. Also choose blinds over curtains, and tiles over carpets.
Outdoor air pollution – If at all possible, try to avoid traffic jams, parking garages and dusty workplaces.
Cockroaches – Avoid cockroaches by keeping your home clean and sanitised.
Furry pets – Don’t keep furry pets, but if you must, wash them every week and keep them outside as far as possible.

Exercise, certain medicines, weather conditions such as thunderstorms or high humidity, breathing in cold, dry air, and some foods, food additives and fragrances can also trigger asthma attacks.

You can be completely symptom-free
Even though asthma can't be cured and you might have to use preventative medication for the rest of your life, you can be completely symptom-free, play sport (yes, even participate in the Olympics), sleep peacefully, and no longer have acute attacks.

It's vital to get your asthma under control to prevent permanent lung damage. Dr Van Niekerk says it's one of the most common and potentially most dangerous diseases, yet many parents don't realise their children are sufferers.

He advises parents to be on the alert for signs and symptoms and to take immediate action. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and tightness in the chest (although these can differ from person to person).

If asthma in children isn't treated correctly, it can lead to a lack of proper sleep, which in turn can limit bone growth and brain development.

Some studies also show the possible link between asthma, depression and suicide in teenagers, because the condition (if not treated properly) can adversely affect their state of mind.

More tips to control your asthma
These last steps will help you (or your child) ensure long-term asthma control:

- Stick to the plan. Follow your written asthma action plan step by step. This will help you to control your asthma over the long term, and will outline the steps to deal with an attack.
- Use your preventer medication every day (even if you’re not experiencing symptoms). Preventer medication relives the inflammation and makes you less prone to getting an asthma attack. Use your reliever when you have symptoms of an attack and as prescribed. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to demonstrate how to use your inhaler or nebuliser.
- Stay active. Try to do a little bit of exercise every day – this will strengthen your heart and lungs. Ask your doctor about the best way to stay active.
- Be informed. Make a point of learning more about the different types of treatment.
- Drop a jeans size. Being overweight can worsen asthma symptoms. A dietician can help you lose weight.
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