Are you suffering from asthma or know someone with asthma?
Do you think that you may have asthma but are not sure?
Do you ever feel breathless while playing sport?
If so continue reading, in this blog we will discuss what Asthma is, how to effectively treat it and what to do in the case of an emergency.
Asthma Prevalence
Asthma is a unique condition as it is more prevalent in younger people than older people. Below are some of the statistics in prevelence in Australia.
- 1 in 9 Australians are affected
- 400 Australians die of asthma each year
- 44% of hospitalisations for were children aged 1-14
- Only 28% of asthmatics have an action plan
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition which impacts the airways in the lungs. Asthmatics can experience inflamed and narrowed airways. The result of this is can result in moderate to severe difficulty in breathing. Some things that can exacerbate symptoms include allergies, exercise, pollution, dust and cigarette smoke.
How can exercise help?
We all know that exercise is important for everyone, even if we have a health condition. Asthma is no different, it is important that all asthmatics to engage in an exercise routine. Exercise has been shown to be crucial in improving symptoms and mortality to those who are suffering. Exercise improves your lungs capacity to store oxygen in the body. Additionally, exercise increases blood flow to your lungs, which in turn, promotes blood flow to the heart. People who exercise regularly have greater lung function and greater tolerance to exercise and therefore have reduced exercise induced symptoms.
Emergency protocol 4x4x4
If you or someone near you is having an asthma attack, please use the following protocol.
- Step 1: Sit yourself/the person upright
- Step 2: Give 4 separate puffs of the reliever (blue/grey) puffer taking 4 deep breaths for each inhale
- Step 3: Wait 4 minutes, if there is not improvement give 4 more separate puffs as with step 2
- Step 4: After this if breathing does not return to normal, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
What Exercise should I be doing?
If you’re unsure what exercises you should be doing please consult an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and receive an individualised exercise program.
If you are having any issues with asthma, get in touch with Pivotal Motion’s exercise physiologist team today. Our team of Exercise Physiologists will be able to discuss with you in more depth on how to manage your exercise. Book online or call us on 3352 5116.