Athletes With Allergies Or Asthma – How To Stay On Top Of Your GameAllergies and asthma are increasing in prevalence, especially among youth. Competitive athletes of any age feel the effects of allergy and asthma symptoms in every aspect of sports. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for both allergies and asthma that start to work almost immediately.
How Allergy Symptoms Affect Athletic Play
Allergy symptoms such as watery and itchy eyes can interfere with vision, making sports like softball and baseball a challenge to play. Sneezing can interfere with concentration and the headaches and sinus pressure can do this as well. All of these symptoms can make it difficult for athletes with allergies to sleep at night, resulting in overall low energy that decreases performance on the field.
How Asthma Symptoms Affect The Game
The inflammation of the lungs caused by asthma can make it difficult for a competitive runner or athlete in high-intensity sports such as basketball, football or tennis to get enough air during the activity. Coughing and difficulty breathing at night can zap the athletes with asthma of critical rest as the muscles repair themselves overnight. The effort required for breathing may cause athletes with asthma to use their energy for this essential function instead of for competitive performance.
Treatment Options For Athletes With Allergies And Asthma
There are many asthma and allergy treatments for athletes who want to stay at their peak level of performance. Over the counter medications such as antihistamines provide quick but temporary relief of allergy symptoms. Some of these medicines must be taken as frequently as every four hours and may not be indicated for people with certain medical conditions. Daily preventive medications as asthma and allergy treatments for athletes help to keep symptoms at bay. Rescue medications for athletes with asthma are taken when the situation requires it. Another option for athletes with allergies or asthma are allergy shotsprovided by a medical doctor. This type of treatment occurs over a duration of time and aims to reduce the effects of allergies and eliminate allergic triggers for asthmatics.
How Treatment Impacts Athletic Performance
Prompt treatment of allergies and asthma in athletes helps to improve every aspect of their play and game. From the stamina to participate in full practice sessions and games to the ability to run at top speed, treating the symptoms also helps enhance performance. A better night’s rest due to reduced symptoms also helps the athletes’ play.
For the athletes in your family, young or older, give the helpful physicians at Asthma & Allergy Associates a call to schedule an asthma or allergy diagnosis and treatment appointment today! We want to see every back out on the field or court, so don’t let the allergy or asthma symptoms prevent your athlete from performing at their best.