Asthma/Asthma

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Expert: - 3/30/2008


Question
I am a Sport Psychology Consultant who works with many EIA swimmers.  Wearing a snorkel seems to help these swimmers which, at first, I believed would restrict their oxygen intake.  Does the snorkel have a similar effect to breathing into a paper bag for someone hyperventilating?

Joe

Answer
Hi Joe,

Breathing into the paper bag is to increase CO2 levels, which will slow the breathing of a person hyperventilating. I occasionally snorkel, and there is little restriction in a properly designed unit. A couple of factors are: 1) the size of the opening in the mouthpiece, and 2) the smoothness of the curves of the unit. A snorkel with sharp angles in the design may also potentially affect airflow.

Out of curiosity, are you familiar with Amy VanDyken? She is a former Olympic gold medalist (more golds than any other US female in Olympic history)and a severe asthmatic. In high school, she went into full respiratory arrest at a swim meet. Last time I saw her, she was a spokesperson for Glaxo. http://www.amyvandyken.com/

Hope this helped you. I've given presentation around the state of Illinois to the educators and coaches of elementary and high school districts, and part of the presentation addresses psychological issues, something that should always be addressed in patients with any chronic disease.

Keep up the good work. If you need more info, please get back to me. I'd be happy to give you my contact info.

Sincerely,

Marc

Asthma

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Volunteer

Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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