Dear DOLLY, I've just been told I have asthma, but other than having to use a puffer, I'm not too sure how it might affect me - do I have to give up sport? Gen
No you don't have to give up sport! In fact exercise and fitness are generally very good for controlling asthma. Asthma is common and like many health conditions it can range from being mild to severe.
The basic underlying problem when someone has asthma is that their lungs are 'hypersensitive'. This means that certain 'triggers' can cause the little air passages in the lungs to constrict, or narrow, making it more difficult to breathe. The lungs also develop an inflammatory reaction to the triggers, meaning that the airways become partially filled with fluid or mucous.
Common triggers are cigarette smoke, viruses, and cold air. Some people's lungs will also react to heavy exercise, pollens, pets or certain types of food. The symptoms of asthma can range from a cough, especially at night, to feeling tight in the chest, to loud wheezing to serious breathing difficulties.
Asthma can even be fatal although greater awareness of the symptoms as well as preventive treatments have meant that that is very uncommon. People with asthma lead perfectly normal lives. Depending on the severity of the asthma and the triggers, some things may need to be modified.
Recognising and avoiding triggers is the first place to start (stay away from smoke and smokers!) If your asthma is moderate or severe taking a "preventer" regularly can prevent attacks. Although exercise can sometimes trigger asthma, regular exercise and getting fit actually acts as a preventer once you get used to your symptoms and know when you might need a preventer or a reliever.
It's also really important to recognise if your asthma is getting worse, and getting medical treatment early. Your GP can sit down with you and work out an asthma plan, so that you can manage the asthma yourself most of the time.
