What is the treatment for asthma in teenage athletes?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 14-year-old son has uncontrolled asthma. He is really into pickleball but cannot last a full set without an asthma attack. It is breaking my heart to see him struggle. His inhalers do not seem to be enough. Would a nebulizer or maybe some kind of pre-game treatment help? He is determined to keep playing, but I am worried about his health. Are there any new treatments for teenage athletes with asthma?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Asthma must be well controlled with proper medications, which needs a close follow-up to adjust the doses and addition of drugs.

To start with inhalers, increase the dose, no improvement, then add another inhaler, still no benefit, then may need some oral drugs. It is the "step-up and step-down" way to control it.
Inhalers are better than nebulizers.
It is possible to have a pre-game inhaler, which will give him better tolerance.
Let me know his current medication (inhaler+oral) and doses. I can guide you accordingly.

My other suggestion is to consult a pulmonologist; he will do some lung function tests and then decide on a plan. After a regular follow-up, he will adjust the doses and advise you for a pre-game inhaler what he needs and how often he can use it.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.