Improving the Quality of Life through Exercise and Respiratory Muscle Training, Resulting in Virtual Elimination of Asthmatic Medication
Introduction
My name is Phil Welch and I am a 45 year old asthmatic...But I am also a fairly accomplished endurance mountain biker and won a silver medal (40-44) at the World Solo 24 hour Mountain Bike Championships in Italy in 2012. What follows is a true account of what I've been told, by doctors and other medical experts, is extremely unlikely, if not impossible: The long-term elimination of all forms of asthmatic medication.
I have been clinically asthmatic since the age of fifteen but, for the last seven of those thirty years, I have all but eliminated the use of medication, whilst competing at national level in a variety of sports. It is necessary for asthmatics to use medication to prevent or relieve an attack but I do neither, despite an intense training and racing regime. In 2013, that included 936 hours of riding, 30 days of racing and an annual distance covered of 21,240 kilometres.
This report will focus on the impact of asthma in Australia, the use of medication and the accompanying side effects. My own experience with asthma will be described, along with general recommendations and my own personal advice for all asthmatics to reduce their reliance on asthmatic drugs and to safely use the lowest dose of medication possible to keep their asthma under control.
I have been clinically asthmatic since the age of fifteen but, for the last seven of those thirty years, I have all but eliminated the use of medication, whilst competing at national level in a variety of sports. It is necessary for asthmatics to use medication to prevent or relieve an attack but I do neither, despite an intense training and racing regime. In 2013, that included 936 hours of riding, 30 days of racing and an annual distance covered of 21,240 kilometres.
This report will focus on the impact of asthma in Australia, the use of medication and the accompanying side effects. My own experience with asthma will be described, along with general recommendations and my own personal advice for all asthmatics to reduce their reliance on asthmatic drugs and to safely use the lowest dose of medication possible to keep their asthma under control.
Definition
Photobucket, 2014 Asthma affects all age groups and is characterised by symptoms of breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and sometimes a dry, irritating and continual cough. These symptoms are caused by a narrowing of the airways and vary in severity and frequency from person to person and might vary over time. Depending on severity, different forms and amounts of medication will be prescribed to control the symptoms.
Asthma "is due to inflammation of the air passages in the lungs and affects the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the airways so they become easily irritated. In an attack, the lining of the passages swell causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air in and out of the lungs." (World Health Organization (WHO), 2014)
Asthma "is due to inflammation of the air passages in the lungs and affects the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the airways so they become easily irritated. In an attack, the lining of the passages swell causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air in and out of the lungs." (World Health Organization (WHO), 2014)
Impact
According to estimates by WHO (2014), 235 million people suffer from asthma. The 2011-12 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report indicates that asthma affects 10.2% of the Australian population, which equates to approximately 2.3 million people. The National Asthma Council Australia (2014) states that about one in every nine Australian children has asthma and one Australian dies from asthma every day. Asthmatics tend to take more days off work and school and rate their health as worse while suffering more stress and depression than those without the condition. Despite rates stabilising in Australia in recent years, the prevalence of asthma remains high in relation to world figures.
Asthma and Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA)
Although the exact cause of asthma is unknown, triggers include allergens such as dust, pollen, mould and animal fur, colds and viral infections, cold dry air, smoking, and exercise and there is no known cure. According to Dr. Timothy Craig of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), sufferers of Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) (technically known as exercise-induced bronchospasm) are more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, especially when breathing colder, drier air, causing airways to narrow and breathlessness (cited in Hatfield, 2014).
No matter the trigger for asthma, good management, accompanied by appropriate medication can "control the disease and prevent symptoms from occurring or worsening" (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2014).
No matter the trigger for asthma, good management, accompanied by appropriate medication can "control the disease and prevent symptoms from occurring or worsening" (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2014).
Asthma Medication
A number of medications are available but the following are the most common:
- Relievers: Everyone with asthma should have reliever medication. With the onset of symptoms (or may be used before exercise on doctor's advice), these fast-acting bronchodilators work within minutes and last up to 4 hours. Technically known as short-acting beta-agonists, they work by relaxing the muscle around the airways. Ventolin, Asmol, Epaq and Airomir all contain a drug called salbutamol and are usually used as a puffer, but more serious asthmatics may use a spacer or a nebuliser.
- Preventers: Used everyday to reduce symptoms of asthma by reducing airway sensitivity, redness and swelling and helps dry up mucus. The most common form are corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medications, which come in the form of Flixotide, Pulmicort, Qvar and Alvesco. (Asthma Australia, 2014b).
Side Effects
Like all medications, asthma medications have potential side effects. These can be local (occur in the body directly affected by medication) or systemic (caused by absorption into the bloodstream). Corticosteroids cause the most concern. The most common side effects are a hoarse voice or sore throat, and sometimes oral thrush, while less common, but far more concerning, are osteoporosis, growth suppression, gaucoma and cataracts. Obviously, the aim of good asthma management would be to reduce the likelihood of experiencing side effects and so good asthma management would involve safely taking the lowest dose of medication necessary to keep the asthma under control (Asthma Australia, 2014c).
My Personal Story - The Early Years
BigStockPhoto / Lisa F. Young (MedicineNet, 2014) I have lived with asthma for over 30 years and have learnt to lead a full and active life. I was 15 years old when I suffered my first asthma attack, while on a family holiday at Butlins, Pwllheli in North-West Wales. I awoke in the night gasping for breathe. My mother sat me by an open window, where I gulped minute mouthfuls of the cool, night air and attempted not to panic. Eventually, a doctor arrived and I was diagnosed with EIA and medicated with salbutamol (Ventolin).
Initially, this allowed me to continue my sport but, being so active, my doctor decided it would be wiser to prescribe a preventer in the form of becotide (discontinued in the UK in June 2007), an inhaled corticosteroid. My initial dose was two puffs in the morning and two at night. For the next few years, I continued to take this dose and was able to play rugby league at National level for East Leeds in England.
Initially, this allowed me to continue my sport but, being so active, my doctor decided it would be wiser to prescribe a preventer in the form of becotide (discontinued in the UK in June 2007), an inhaled corticosteroid. My initial dose was two puffs in the morning and two at night. For the next few years, I continued to take this dose and was able to play rugby league at National level for East Leeds in England.
Reduced Dependency
Loughborough RL 1st XIII vs Bedford College In 1989, whilst studying Physical Education and Sports Science at Loughborough University, I slowly reduced my reliance on the corticosteroid. This drug may not be the same as anabolic steroids, used for performance enhancement, but I was aware of the potential side-effects. At no time did any doctor advise me to do this, it was just my own determination not to rely on a drug. Consequently, I managed to ween my dependance to just one puff of the medication in the morning. I continued to enjoy success in Rugby League, winning a University title with Loughborough Rugby League 1st XIII and playing in numerous finals. I also clocked 52 seconds for 400 metres and 11.7 seconds for the 100 metre sprint. As College Sports Secretary, I was also actively involved in many other sports. Asthma certainly wasn't hindering my sporting and physical progress.
After qualifying as a Physical Education Teacher at Loughborough University in 1993, I was granted the opportunity to play for Corbeil Rugby League, based in Corbeil-Essonnes, France, and subsequently moved to the southern suburbs of Paris. I was still using just one puff of becotide ( later to be replaced by flixotide) and, although I always carried the ventolin, I rarely used it. On a handful of occasions, I stopped using the flixotide all together but invariably found my chest tighten and the wheezing would follow, leading to a hasty retreat back to the drugs.
Christian Brothers 'A' Grade 1996 In January 1996, I moved to Sydney, Australia, a country with the highest rates of asthma in the world. I spent the first year playing rugby league in Manly, representing Christian Brothers at 'A' and Reserve Grade. After returning to Australia and Christian Brothers at the end of 1998, an ACL knee reconstruction and near total knee meniscosectomy in 2000 led me to eventually quit the game. I took up several other sports, including climbing, boxing and jui jitsu, but eventually settled on cycling. Being unable to resist the temptation of Australia's coastal waters, I scuba dived several times, reaching Rescue Diver level, after undergoing a series of tests to ensure an asthma attack was not triggered by cold, exercise, stress or emotion. In November 2009, I entered my first endurance mountain bike race, placing 3rd in Masters, and have continued to compete, establishing myself as one of the best Masters endurance mountain bike riders in Australia.
Almost Complete Elimination of Medication
During the mountain bike years, an amazing event has occured and I have been able to live without the use of any drugs. No preventers like corticosteroids, no relievers like ventolin. I still consider myself clinically asthmatic and still carry ventolin but since the beginning of 2007 I have seldom used it. I regularly throw away full canisters when the drug goes out of date. Over the last three years, I have used ventolin on just three occasions whilst suffering from a serious flu or chest infection.
Mountain Biking Medication-free Days (Janyon Photography)
The breakthrough for me was when I started to use the Powerbreathe. I initially purchased this hand held, breathing muscle trainer on the 24th June 2006 to try and gain a fitness advantage in sport. The principle is the breather helps develop the strength and endurance of the inspiratory muscles, particularly the diaphragm and the intercostals, with Powerbreathe describing it as 'dumbbells for your diaphragm'. It is easy-to-use, drug free and using it twice a day for 30 breaths takes less than 4 minutes. Research has shown that inspiratory muscles feel stronger in a few days, users feel less breathless within 3 weeks and within 4 weeks speed, strength and stamina improve (Powerbreathe, 2014).
Powerbreathe Plus The Powerbreathe is the brain-child of Alison McConnell, Professor of Applied Physiology at Brunel University's Centre for Sports Medicine and Human Performance. Developed by leading UK scientists and supported by over a decade of research, the Powerbreathe has been used by countless elite athletes and was part of the Australian Commonwealth and Olympic Teams training regime for elite athletes such as Leisal Jones, Grant Hackett and Michael Klim. Respiratory effort can account for 15% of cardiac output and when inspiratory muscles tire they require more oxygen, which results in blood being diverted away from working muscles such as those of the arms and legs impairing performance. Laboratory studies have shown that the Powerbreathe increases inspiratory muscle strength by 45%, stamina by 30% and recovery time by 7%. In cycling, this equates to 3 minutes in a 40 km time trial (a 4.6% improvement in performance) (Powerbreathe, 2014).
The Powerbreathe is not merley an effective tool for improving physical performance but is also highly effective at helping asthmatics. After rigorous scientific and medical trials, Powerbreathe is now licensed for prescription in the UK for those suffering breathing problems from asthma, emphysema, heart disease and spinal injury. The research has shown improvements in lung function, reduction in medical usage, hospitalisation and absence from school or work (Powerbreathe, 2014).
The Powerbreathe is not merley an effective tool for improving physical performance but is also highly effective at helping asthmatics. After rigorous scientific and medical trials, Powerbreathe is now licensed for prescription in the UK for those suffering breathing problems from asthma, emphysema, heart disease and spinal injury. The research has shown improvements in lung function, reduction in medical usage, hospitalisation and absence from school or work (Powerbreathe, 2014).
As my competence at using the breather developed, I appeared to physically feel my airways opening. Certainly my breathing was deeper and stronger. At no time, did I even consider that this would seriously benefit my asthma in any way. On 23rd February 2007, I went to use my flixotide but I found it empty. With no repeat prescriptions, thus necessitating a trip to the doctor, I went the day without, deciding I could wait another 24 hours. Unlike previous times, when I had tried to stop using the corticosteroid there was no accompanying wheezing or chest tightening. I bought the flixotide the following day but refrained from using it. Still no asthma symptoms. I felt excited but certainly not convinced and also a bit wary. I kept the ventolin close by but I was not to use it. The next time I needed to use an inhaler was 11th July, almost five months later.
It was only on 26th January 2008, during a trip to the Blue Mountains with my visiting mother, step-father and sister, that I needed to take ventolin again. The house was old and dusty and this was the stimulus for my asthma. A day later, away from the house, the symptoms were gone. I went back to not using any medication. Since that time I have only used ventolin on a handful of occasions when I've been very sick and my chest tightens.
On 20th January 2013, I went to the Bike Hub, where I conducted a bike fitness test and also met a representative for the Powerbreathe. After undergoing a series of fitness tests, including a VO2 max Test, I carried out the Powerbreathe tests and then told them my personal story. So amazed, the representative decided to record a video which is still on the Powerbreathe website and is shown below.
It was only on 26th January 2008, during a trip to the Blue Mountains with my visiting mother, step-father and sister, that I needed to take ventolin again. The house was old and dusty and this was the stimulus for my asthma. A day later, away from the house, the symptoms were gone. I went back to not using any medication. Since that time I have only used ventolin on a handful of occasions when I've been very sick and my chest tightens.
On 20th January 2013, I went to the Bike Hub, where I conducted a bike fitness test and also met a representative for the Powerbreathe. After undergoing a series of fitness tests, including a VO2 max Test, I carried out the Powerbreathe tests and then told them my personal story. So amazed, the representative decided to record a video which is still on the Powerbreathe website and is shown below.
General Recommendations
Firstly, I must stress, it is vital to never stop taking medication, or change the dose or type, without consulting with a medical practitioner. At this time, the best treatment for asthma is medication, although researchers are constantly seeking a cure. However, there are still a number of strategies that can be employed which could reduce the reliance on the prescribed asthma medication.
- Exercise - According to Asthma UK (2014) "Eight out of ten people with asthma aren't doing enough exercise, often because they're worried it will trigger their symptoms". This is a disturbingly, high number but the reality is exercise helps improve lung capacity, increases stamina and reduces anxiety about asthma, while increasing confidence.
- Breathing Exercises - An awareness and control of breathing has been shown to help control asthma symptoms but more so in reliever use and rarely in preventer use (Asthma Australia, 2014a). Interestingly, Asthma Australia states that there seems to be no change in lung function and little impact on the underlying lung problems such as inflammation and go on to say that breathing exercises probably help by controlling breathing, stopping symptoms from getting worse. During an attack, sufferers become anxious leading to ineffective fast, short breaths. By using controlled, deeper breaths the sufferer is more relaxed and the breathing is more efficient. This is further enhanced by breathing through the nose to warm and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs.
- Diet and nutrition - Being overweight can have a significant negative effect on asthma symptoms and control, but a sensible, healthy balanced diet incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, lean meats, whole grains, low fat dairy products and healthy fats, should be followed. Some research suggests that specific supplements containing magnesium, selenium and fish oil have a potentially positive effect on asthma symptoms (Asthma Australia, 2014a).
- Quit Smoking - Smokers tend to need higher doses of corticosteroids and should therefore aim to reduce, and ideally, quit smoking in order to reduce their dosage.
My Personal Recommendations
Over the years, I have been able to compete at a high level, in numerous sports, including rugby, football, athletics, climbing, jui jitsu, boxing and cycling. I believe the frequency and intensity of the activity, either socially, or in training or competition, has been beneficial to me on many levels. My airways appear clearer, my stamina is exceptionally high and I have confidence that I can push my body to its physiological limits.
I can not speak highly enough of the Powerbreathe, which has helped me to virtually eliminate the use of any type of medication. It is inexpensive, easy-to-use and takes less than 4 minutes of time a day. Combining this with a regular exercise programme and a sensible, balanced diet will undoubtedly improve the quality of an asthmatics life. Small gains physically lead to unmeasurable gains in the quality of life. Even I was amazed to find, during my research for this article, that it has been over seven years since I stopped using asthmatic medication on a regular basis and that during this time, I have only used ventolin on very rare occasions.
I have to stress that asthma varies significantly between individuals, ranging from mild to severe and with a multitude of triggers. No two people are the same, and their response to medication or training will vary wildly. However, it is a common theme of asthma foundations, asthma research and individual experience that engaging in positive steps, such as exercise, will lessen the reliance on medication and lead to positive physiological changes. My life is considerably richer for the steps I have taken to improve my lung function and I am more comfortable (and far healthier) now that I have virtually eliminated my reliance on all forms of medication.
I can not speak highly enough of the Powerbreathe, which has helped me to virtually eliminate the use of any type of medication. It is inexpensive, easy-to-use and takes less than 4 minutes of time a day. Combining this with a regular exercise programme and a sensible, balanced diet will undoubtedly improve the quality of an asthmatics life. Small gains physically lead to unmeasurable gains in the quality of life. Even I was amazed to find, during my research for this article, that it has been over seven years since I stopped using asthmatic medication on a regular basis and that during this time, I have only used ventolin on very rare occasions.
I have to stress that asthma varies significantly between individuals, ranging from mild to severe and with a multitude of triggers. No two people are the same, and their response to medication or training will vary wildly. However, it is a common theme of asthma foundations, asthma research and individual experience that engaging in positive steps, such as exercise, will lessen the reliance on medication and lead to positive physiological changes. My life is considerably richer for the steps I have taken to improve my lung function and I am more comfortable (and far healthier) now that I have virtually eliminated my reliance on all forms of medication.
Future Intentions
After nearly five years of successfully racing mountain bikes, without medication, I intend to publicise this achievement by entering stage races all around the world. After successfully negotiating the infamous Crocodile Trophy in Queensland, Australia in 2013, my next major venture will be in Poland and the Czech Republic in the Sudety Mountain Bike Challenge, followed by the GENCO Mongolia Bike Challenge in September and possibly a return to the Crocodile Trophy at the end of the year. By 2015, I would love to have become an ambassador for asthma and demonstrate to the millions of asthmatics what can be achieved with sensible and controlled asthma management. Through my blog and website (and hopefully a magazine publication), I will endeavour to provide hope and inspiration to the millions of asthma sufferers around the world.
References
Asthma Australia (2014a). Complimentary Therapies. Retrieved from http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/Complementary_Therapies.aspx
Asthma Australia (2014b). Medications FAQs. Retrieved from http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/Medications_FAQs.aspx
Asthma Australia (2014c). Side Effects. Retrieved from
http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/side_effects.aspx
Asthma UK (2014). Exercise. Retrieved from
http://www.asthma.org.uk/knowledge-bank-living-with-asthma-exercise
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013). Asthma. Retrieved from
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/by%20Subject/4338.0~2011-13~Main%20Features~Asthma~15
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2014). Trends in asthma. Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/access/201111/feature/asthma.cfm
Behind the News (2011) Asthma. (Video File). Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/respiratory/asthma/en/
BBC Sport Academy (2014). Athletes with Asthma. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/treatment_room/newsid_2340000/2340911.stm
Hatfield, H. (2014). The Athlete's Guide to Exercise-Induced Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.boots.com/asthma/features/athletes-guide-exercise-induced-asthma
Health Media Ventures (2014). Star Athletes with Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306639_1,00.html
Healthline (2014). Famous Athletes with Asthma. Retrieved from
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/famous-athletes-with-asthma
Hutchinson, A. (2012). Why Asthma doesn't Stop Elite Athletes. Retrieved from
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/why-asthma-doesnt-stop-elite-athletes/article4445211/
MedicineNet (2014). Asthma Pictures Slideshow: An inflammatory Disorder of the Airways. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/asthma_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
National Asthma Council Australia (2014). Asthma Facts. Retrieved from http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/asthma-facts
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2011). Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Living with Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall11/articles/fall11pg9.html
National Library of Medicine (NLM). (2012). Archives. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/archive/20120918/hmd/breath/Faces_asthma/facespres2.html
Powerbreathe (2014). Powerbreathe the world's no.1 breathing trainer. Retrieved from http://www.powerbreathe.com/
World Health Organization (WHO) (2014). Chronic Respiratory Diseases. Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/respiratory/asthma/en/
Asthma Australia (2014b). Medications FAQs. Retrieved from http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/Medications_FAQs.aspx
Asthma Australia (2014c). Side Effects. Retrieved from
http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/side_effects.aspx
Asthma UK (2014). Exercise. Retrieved from
http://www.asthma.org.uk/knowledge-bank-living-with-asthma-exercise
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013). Asthma. Retrieved from
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/by%20Subject/4338.0~2011-13~Main%20Features~Asthma~15
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2014). Trends in asthma. Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/access/201111/feature/asthma.cfm
Behind the News (2011) Asthma. (Video File). Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/respiratory/asthma/en/
BBC Sport Academy (2014). Athletes with Asthma. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/treatment_room/newsid_2340000/2340911.stm
Hatfield, H. (2014). The Athlete's Guide to Exercise-Induced Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.boots.com/asthma/features/athletes-guide-exercise-induced-asthma
Health Media Ventures (2014). Star Athletes with Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306639_1,00.html
Healthline (2014). Famous Athletes with Asthma. Retrieved from
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/famous-athletes-with-asthma
Hutchinson, A. (2012). Why Asthma doesn't Stop Elite Athletes. Retrieved from
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/why-asthma-doesnt-stop-elite-athletes/article4445211/
MedicineNet (2014). Asthma Pictures Slideshow: An inflammatory Disorder of the Airways. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/asthma_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
National Asthma Council Australia (2014). Asthma Facts. Retrieved from http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/asthma-facts
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2011). Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Living with Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall11/articles/fall11pg9.html
National Library of Medicine (NLM). (2012). Archives. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/archive/20120918/hmd/breath/Faces_asthma/facespres2.html
Powerbreathe (2014). Powerbreathe the world's no.1 breathing trainer. Retrieved from http://www.powerbreathe.com/
World Health Organization (WHO) (2014). Chronic Respiratory Diseases. Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/respiratory/asthma/en/
Appendix
Athletes with Asthma
An abundance of information exists on elite athletes who have succeeded at the very highest level but, as far as I am aware, none have done this without the use of supporting medication. I have included the following elite athletes in the appendix of my report because I believe it provides role models and inspiration for all asthmatics, no matter the severity of their asthma (Health Media Ventures, 2014 and Healthline, 2014).
Some of the following elite athletes developed asthma as children, while others were already competing at the highest level. All of them appear to have continued to use asthma medication, to varying degrees.
In reference to how asthma does not appear to hinder elite athletes, Alan Hutchinson (2012) reported;
Some of the following elite athletes developed asthma as children, while others were already competing at the highest level. All of them appear to have continued to use asthma medication, to varying degrees.
In reference to how asthma does not appear to hinder elite athletes, Alan Hutchinson (2012) reported;
If you’re vying for gold in a sport that demands a lot of huffing and puffing, you’d think that asthma would be a pretty significant disadvantage. But if trends from recent Olympic Games hold true, about 700 of the 10,000 athletes currently competing in London have confirmed asthma diagnoses – and those athletes will be twice as likely to medal as their non-asthmatic peers.
Hutchinson states that this 'asthmatic advantage' is likely to be due to an effective warm-up and intensive training. It is therefore not surprising to find so many elite athletes who have succeeded with asthma.
 www.sporting-heroes.net
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www.zimbio.com - Paula Radcliffe: GB Marathon Runner / Olympian: Paula started running at seven but was diagnosed with asthma (EIA) at fourteen. She still holds the World Record in the Marathon with a time of 2.15.25 and she has run four out of the five fastest marathon times in history. In 2004, she said she used her reliever before and after an event and when she had a cold she was extra careful.
sportsillustrated.cnn.com - Amy Van Dyken: US Swimmer: Amy''s childhood asthma was so severe she couldn't even climb stairs so, on her doctor's advice, she took up swimming at the age of six. Despite medication, frequent asthma attacks and just 65% lung capacity, she went on to win 6 Gold Medals - 4 at Atlanta 1996 (50m freestyle; 100m butterfly; 4x100m freestyle; 4x50m medley) and 2 at Sydney 2000 (4×100 medley relay; 4×100 freestyle relay).
www.zimbio.com - Mark Spitz: US Swimmer: Winner of 9 Gold Medals in the 1972 Munich Games, where he set new world Records in all the events. In 2000, he was voted 'Athlete of the Century' in Water Sports and 'Sports Illustrated' voted him as one of the six Greatest Olympians ever.
www.szuse.hu - Jerome 'The Bus' Bettis: US Running Back, American Football.: Diagnosed with asthma at 15, he went on to play thirteen seasons in the NFL. Named 'Rookie of the Year' in 1993 playing for the LA Rams, he later won the Superbowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006. He is the sixth leading rusher of all time. In 1997, he suffered an asthma attack on the field, due partly to the extreme heat and humidity. After a nebulizer and shot, he returned to successfully finish the game, describing the experience like 'someone putting a bag over your head'.
www.cyclosport.org - Miguel Indurain: Spanish Cyclist: Won five consecutive Tour De France (1991-1995) and the Olympic Time Trial (Atlanta 1996).
- Other successful asthmatic athletes include US swimmers Tom Dolan, Peter Vanderkaay and Kaitlin Sandeno, British swimmer Adrian Moorhouse, basketball's Dennis Rodman, football's Paul Scholes, cyclist Jan Ullrich, wheelchair athlete George Murray, cricket player Ian Botham and tennis player Justine Henin.
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