Asthma is a condition where your respiratory airways constrict, limiting the amount of air you can inhale. The condition is more common among kids but can carry on into adulthood. Inhalers help relieve a constricted airway and restore full breathing capacity during an asthma attack. Take other precautions to prevent attacks so your asthma doesn't prevent you from participating in sports. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that 20 percent of elite athletes, and one in six Olympic athletes, suffer from asthma.
Step 1
Take a controller medication before any activity. The prescription medication is designed to prevent asthma attacks, ranging from mild to serious. Failure to take this medication could lead to a serious medical emergency if your other medications are not enough to control an asthma attack.
Step 2
Avoid environments where asthma triggers are present. The most common asthma trigger related to exercise is the mold or allergens found in the air. If you know you are likely to suffer an asthma attack because of allergens or mold in the air, move the location of the activity or sit yourself out.
Step 3
Drink plenty of water. Hydrating yourself can help during asthma attacks, and taking regular drinking breaks gives the body a chance to recover. Asthma attacks are more likely to occur when you are fatigued.
Step 4
Take breaks as needed when you experience wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing. These are symptoms of an asthma attack, and the sooner you rest, the less likely you will have an attack. Rest will also lessen the seriousness if you do experience an asthma attack.
Step 5
Take your emergency medication if an asthma attack becomes difficult to control. Also referred to as rescue medication, these medications are often inhaled and are designed to relax the muscles in the airways, allowing you to breathe. Once you have used your inhaler, call a doctor or emergency vehicle -- rescue medications are effective but can wear off quickly, and you may need medical attention to fully subdue an asthma attack.
