How to manage asthma and win like Olympian Noah Lyles? Exclusive expert tips

American Noah Lyles clinchedthe gold medal in the men's 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, inspiring millions worldwide by winning the race in a dramatic finish. He won it in 9.79 seconds. After the stunning superhero-like feat, he posted on social media platform X: "I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!"

Mental health challenges have become quite common in athletes. Some are vocal about it but some rarely share their experiences.

But the mention of asthma caught my eye because this is something even I have been facing since childhood and still have difficulty with.

Running and other outdoor sporting activities have been a major challenge for me, despite my love for sports and outdoor activities.

I had this notion that running cannot be an option for someone with breathing problems. However, this is not the case, as many athletes compete inevents like the Olympics despitesuch healthconditions.

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The American Lung Association published a report on July 26, 2024, stating that nearly two in 10 Olympians are living with asthma, further emphasising that asthma is the most common chronic condition among Olympic athletes.

Mentioning a study, the report noted that "about 8.3% of US Olympians between 2002 and 2010 had asthma, yet they were able to compete at the highest levels".

Asthma affects around 15 to 30 per centof Olympic athletes and upwards of half the athletes in some sports, according to a 2023 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.

The same study notesthat up to 80 per cent of endurance sport athletes are affected by exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), which isknown as exercise-induced asthma.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a generally chronic lung disease that results from genetic and environmental factors.

Asthma causes inflammation, narrowing and swelling of the airways in patients. It results in coughing, wheezing and chest discomfort.

When these symptoms worsen, it is referred to as an asthma attack or a flare-up. The situation makes it difficult to breathe.

How to manage asthma like a champion

WION reached out to the experts to know how to manage asthma symptoms like an Olympian.

"It's crucial to emphasise that asthma is not a significant barrier, as it can be easily managed with the right medication and inhalation therapy", Dr Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director and HOD, Centre for Chest and Respiratory Diseases, BLK-MAX Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi told WION. "I always tell my patients that with proper treatment, they can be just as efficient and energetic as anyone else."

"Asthma should not prevent anyone from maintaining a normal routine or even excelling beyond others. It is a misconception that asthma hinders physical activities like running. Consistent use of medication is essential for managing asthma effectively, even if one starts to feel symptom-free," Dr Nayar added.

While talking about athletes, Dr Nayar said that many top athletes manage their asthma by adhering to a prescribed treatment regimen. They are able to perform at the highest level. "So I emphasise, don't let asthma hinder your athletic potential; with proper medication, you can achieve your aspirations without any limitations," he added.

Noah Lyles is 'truly impressive'

Dr Nayar said that he was "truly impressed" when he learned about Lyles' gold medal in the 100m event at the Paris Games despite being asthmatic.

He said that the athlete's achievement clearly shows that asthma can be managed effectively.

Dr Nayar said that about the US star sprinter, he discovered that he had struggled with asthma since childhood. At the age of five, he couldn't even eat without coughing and relied on a nebuliser to manage his symptoms. Despite these challenges, he has now won an Olympic gold medal in one of the most demanding events.

Dr Manisha Mendiratta, Associate Director & Head, Pulmonology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, told WION: "Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in athletes. It reduces your efficiency because every time you run, perform an activity, or engage in exertional activities, such as exercise-induced asthma, you will struggle for breath."

I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression.
But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become.
Why Not You! — Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) August 4, 2024

How can asthmatic athletes stay at their peak?

The condition can be challenging, but Dr Mendiratta suggested that it is important to know that asthma is not a disease. If diagnosed at the right time, patients can carry out their day-to-day activities and exercises without any difficulty. The key is to be very regular with your prescribed medications.

"As everyone knows, inhalers or nebulised medicines are the drugs of choice for asthma patients. If taken regularly, they can maintain lung volumes and are significantly effective in preventing further lung damage. Additionally, asthmatics can improve their lung volumes through regular breathing exercises," Dr Mendiratta said.

Dr Piyush Goel - Consultant, Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram told WIONsome tips that might help athletes who struggle with this condition. He said...

1) Reduce your risk of getting an asthma attack by avoiding triggers which are identified prior for example pollens, dust and many more.
2) Take regularly prescribed medications by your pulmonologist.
3) Pre-treat with inhalers prior to exercise as advised by your pulmonologist.
4) Warm up for 15 to 20 minutes before exercise to reduce the chances of tight airways during exercise.
5) Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when exercising outdoors in cold temperatures.Limit exercise or strenuous activities outdoors when the air quality is unhealthy (orange) and avoid outdoor activities when the air quality is red, purple or maroon.
6) Remember to include a cool-down period.

'Incredible achievements are possible'

"Asthma is no longer a crippling disease, and you can live your life normally. Regular checkups, pulmonary function tests, consistent investigations, and vaccination treatment at the onset of any symptoms are very important," Dr Mendiratta said.

"Noah Lyles's story proves that with proper asthma management, incredible achievements are possible. Therefore, I urge everyone involved in sports organisations to support talented individuals, even if they have asthma. Don't discourage them from participating in sports; instead, encourage them to manage their condition with proper medication. With regular medication, they can compete at the highest levels," Dr Nayar concluded.