[CSI Homepage] [What's New!] [Back Mailings]
Managing Asthma
Our swimming community is well aware of the use of inhalers by our athletes during swim meets and practice. It has been well documented that the incidence of asthma is increasing among children and that is reflected on our pool decks. But are our athletes using inhalers properly? What role does the coach play in managing asthma on the pool deck?
Coach John Matos, of Colorado State University, asks coaches in his preface to USA Swimming's publication Managing Asthma- A Comprehensive Guide for Swim Coaches, "Tired of picking up inhalers after practice? Unsure of whether to push your asthmatics hard or back off in today's training session? Wondering if your swimmers who take a "puff" once in a while are gaining some sort of advantage over your other hard working swimmers? Are the kids who use inhalers being alienated by their peers?" These are important questions and the managing asthma on the pool deck is only made easier if the athlete, parent and coach all work together.
In order to address these and other questions, USA Swimming's Network Task Force on Asthma published this article to assist coach in management of asthma. Although written with coaches in mind, this guide also offers useful information for parents.
Managing Asthma- A Comprehensive Guide for Swim Coaches
Preface
In 2002, the Journal of Asthma reported that 9% of high school students are asthmatic, based on pulmonary function test (PFT) results. The same report indicated that the incidence was as high as 39% after exercise. As swim coaches, we are all too familiar with the prevalence of asthma in our sport.
On April 24, 2004, USA Swimming's Network Task Force on Asthma met at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. This day was devoted to addressing questions brought forward by developmental coaches and the personal coaches of those who attended the Olympic Preparation Camp. Much of the Task Force's interaction with some of the coaches at this camp involved discussing concerns about bad air in pools, lack of fresh air in pools, state health department rules and relations and the challenge of leading the political battle.
The Task Force members dedicated their meeting time in Colorado Springs as well as several additional weeks following the meeting to applying their knowledge and tapping into additional expert resources. Every individual question was addressed. This booklet is an organized compilation of those responses.
In addition to its Q & A format, this booklet includes a comprehensive resource list and educational handouts. You are encouraged to generate photocopies to facilitate education and awareness within your club.
We hope that you will find this guide valuable to your program.