Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 8/11/2009

Question
Hi Marc,

My  14 yo daughter was placed on Pro Air and Flovent last spring after during a drawn out URI.  After a week on thr ProAir she was put on Folvent only, 2 puffs/2x a day for three months.  We live in Georgia and my daughter takes part in a dance team that practices outside in the HOT, HUMID, weather.  She sometimes gets out of breath and feels like her throat is "closing".  Is that when she should use the ProAir?  

Thanks so much for you time.  

Answer
Hi Jane,

Yes, this is the time for the ProAir HFA. But also, there are 4 more things I'd like to see her do:
1) start drinking fluids (Gatorade, for example) beginning 1 hour before practice, and continuing during practice,
2) take 1-2 puffs of the ProAir 5 to 15 minutes before activity. It lasts 4 hours, and hopefully will prevent her from developing a bronchospasm,
3) warm-ups beginning 5 minutes prior to activity, and cool down exercise for 5-10 minutes after,
4) get a peak-flow meter, if you don't already have one. She should have her "Personal Best" established, and re-established every 6 months until the age of 25 (when the lungs reach maximum size). She should only start activity when she is in the green zone. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, let me know, and I'll send you complete training information, including an "Asthma Action Plan", which guides you on keeping in control, how to evaluate loss of control, and what to do about it.

Make sure the coach is aware of her having asthma, and ask if she has had any training in dealing with asthmatic athletes. I can advise her also.

Hope this helps!

P.S.: Exercise is great for asthmatics, but is best with knowledge and understanding. :)

Sincerely,

Marc