Triathletes typically are characterized as lean and healthy athletes, but they can suffer from certain medical conditions similarly to everyone else. For example, some athletes suffer from exercise-induced asthma, where the demands of the swimming, cycling and running trigger asthma symptoms. While asthma has the potential for decreasing triathlon performance, proper safety precautions and treatment can maintain your overall intensity level.
Symptoms
As you are competing in a triathlon, your body is naturally short of breath, but the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma extend past this. Symptoms may occur during any stage of the triathlon but can be triggered in a stage based on your individual intensity level. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing and chest tightness or pain. If they aren't treated as soon as possible, other symptoms, including fatigue or reduced performance, may occur.
Conditions
When you sign up for a triathlon, you can't predict the environmental conditions for race day. These can make a significant difference in your exercise-induced asthma. For example, extremely dry or cold air can enhance symptoms. Similarly, air quality, such as a high pollen count or air pollution, can trigger an asthma attack. Planning for extreme conditions through training and preparation can help you complete the triathlon without battling exercise-induced asthma.
Treatment
While you can't cure exercise-induced asthma, you can plan for various treatments during the triathlon. For example, wear a fuel belt that carries an inhaler or other medications. Fuel belts are designed with an easy on-off feature for the transitions and are capable of holding your race number and additional supplements such as sports drinks or energy gels. Having an inhaler in reach allows you to treat the asthma as soon as you encounter any symptoms.
Warning
Exercise-induced asthma during a triathlon poses potential serious medical concerns. As a result, always consult your doctor before training for a triathlon. Continue to consult with your doctor throughout the triathlon training program to determine your individual treatment strategies during the race. Be aware of any serious symptoms or potential side effects from the medication and seek medical treatment immediately if your inhaler doesn't provide improvement or your shortness of breath or wheezing gets worse or continues after the race.
