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| Home > The Basics of Asthma > Profiles of People With Asthma > Asthma Meets a Type-A Athlete |
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As a kid, Jean G. was determined to participate in sports, but asthma held her back. "Playing sports was a big thing. But I tried out for field hockey and it was horrible. I just couldn't keep up with all the running. I had to drop out," she says.
Diagnosed with asthma when she was young, Jean remembers that they had to give the family dog away because he triggered her symptoms. And it didn't get better in her teens. "Asthma is frustrating because it's different every day. One day things were pretty good, but the next day I couldn't run down the field without being completely winded," says Jean.
Not one to give up, the next year Jean tried out for the swim team. "I said, Look, Coach, I have asthma. I don't know what I can do for the swim meets, but I want to do this because it's good for me." Because of her determination and commitment, she remained on the swim team. But still she felt her asthma was keeping her from contributing as much as she wanted.
After college, her asthma caused problems for her at work. In Jean's words, "My boss was getting sick of my asthma, too. I was missing a lot of work." Knowing that she had to take action, Jean saw a doctor. "This doctor watched me walk off the elevator and said, 'You have asthma.' I was amazed, apparently she could tell just by watching the way I was breathing."
The doctor explained that she wouldn't grow out of asthma, how asthma preventative medications work, and the importance of managing the condition every day. For Jean, education was a vital part of managing her asthma. "My doctor is great. She explained everything with drawings and diagrams." Today, she follows the advice of her healthcare professional, takes her preventative medication as directed, and avoids her triggers. As she says, "I can't remember feeling this healthy."
As for athletics, Jean finished a 3-day, cross-country bike ride. "I still had the feeling in the back of my mind that I might not be able to make it—that I might have to get picked up by the bus. But I finished, and not at the back of the pack either," she says.
Of course, if you have asthma, how much physical activity is right for you can only be determined by your healthcare professional. Remember to see a doctor regularly and learn more about asthma and the steps you can take to help manage it.
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