department of athletics policies & procedures - UNC Wilmington ...

g. physical activities affected by breathing difficulty
h. use of accessory muscles to breathe
i. breathing difficulty upon awakening in the morning
j. breathing difficulty when exposed to certain allergens or irritants
k. exercise-induced symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing
l. an athlete who is well conditioned but does not seem to be able to perform
at a level comparable with other athletes who do not have asthma
m. family history of asthma
n. personal history of atopy, including atopic dermatitis/eczema or hay fever
(allergic rhinitis)
3. The following types of screening questions can be asked to seek evidence of
asthma
a. Does the patient have breathing attacks consisting of coughing, wheezing,
chest tightness, or shortness of breath?
b. Does the patient have coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of
breath at night?
c. Does the patient have coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of
breath after exercise?
d. Does the patient have coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of
breath after exposure to allergens or pollutants?
e. Which pharmacologic treatments for asthma or allergic rhinitis, if any,
were given in the past, and were they successful?
4. Athletic trainers should incorporate into the existing emergency action plan an
asthma action plan for managing and urgently referring all patients who may
experience significant or life threatening attacks of breathing difficulties. In
addition, if it is possible athletic trainers should have pulmonary function
measuring devices (such as peak expiratory flow meters) at all venues for athletes
and should be familiar with how to use these devices.
5. All patients with asthma should have a rescue inhaler available during games and
practices, and the certified athletic trainer should have an extra rescue inhaler for
administration during emergencies.
6. Patients with asthma should have follow-up examinations at regular intervals. (6-
12 months)
7. Athletic trainers should understand the various types of pharmacologic strategies
used for short and long acting B2 agonists.
8. Patients with past allergic reactions or intolerance to aspirin or NSAIDs should be
identified.
9. Patients who are experiencing any degree of respiratory distress (including a
significant increase in wheezing or chest tightness, a respiratory rate greater that
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