If you’ve got a passion for soccer but also have asthma, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to play the beautiful game.
Can you run up and down the field, dribble past defenders and strike the ball into the goal without gasping for air? Or will your condition always hold you back?
The reality is, Yes, you can play soccer if you have asthma!
Many professional soccer players have dealt with their asthma and continued to play at the highest level. But it does take some extra prep, awareness and care to make sure you’re staying safe and performing at your best.
So today I’m breaking down everything you need to know to play soccer with asthma, from how to manage your symptoms and the best breathing techniques for asthmatics, plus inspiring stories of athletes who overcame asthma to achieve amazing things.
Asthma and Its Effects on Soccer Players
Asthma is a condition in which your airways get inflamed and makes it difficult to breathe. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
That can be difficult for soccer players, who engage in intense running, fast changes in essence and moments of strenuous exertion — all of which can cause asthma signs to flare up.
There are various forms of asthma, but the primary type that athletes suffer from is exercise-induced asthma (EIA) or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).
That means it is the actual activity that causes your asthma symptoms. Cold air, dry air, pollen and pollution can also worsen it.
Don’t fret — this doesn’t mean you have to watch from the sidelines. It just means you need to be more strategic about controlling your asthma so that it doesn’t control you.
CHECK OUT | 7 Best Ways to Keep Your Soccer Kids Healthy
Tips for Managing Asthma While Playing Soccer
1. Have an Asthma Action Plan
The first thing you should do is work with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan. This is going to help you figure it out:
- Which medications you need, and when to take them.
- What are your asthma triggers.
- What to do if you get an asthma attack during a game or practice.
If you have a solid plan, you will be more confident on the field.
2. Use your inhaler before playing
Most docs will tell you to use your bronchodilator inhaler (think albuteral) 15-30 minutes before engaging in physical activity. This action opens up your airways and minimizes the risk of an asthma flare-up occurring while you’re playing in the game.
3. Warm Up and Cool Down Properly
If you have asthma, charging into vigorous activity — especially in cold, dry air — is a combination that can spell disaster. Instead:
- Do light jogging and dynamic stretching to start to prepare your lungs.
- After you play, do gentle cooldown activities to help your breathing return to its resting state.
4. Breathe the Right Way
Inhale through your nose, not your mouth, which can help filter and warm the air before reaching your lungs. Consider diaphragmatic breathing (breathing deep into the belly) to help strengthen your lungs over time.
5. Stay Hydrated
Fluid loss can make the airways more irritable. Stay hydrated before, during, and after games, keeping your lungs in good condition.
6. Know Your Triggers
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by different things, such as:
- Cold or dry air
- High pollen levels
- Air pollution
- Strong smells (such as perfume or smoke)
Use these triggers as little as possible. If you’re playing in cold weather, cover your mouth with a scarf or mask to warm the air before it enters into your lungs.
7. Build Up Your Endurance Gradually
Slowly increase your fitness and go from game to game instead of jumping from zero to 100 in the next game. Begin with shorter, less strenuous workouts and gradually increase your endurance.
8. Communicate With Your Coach and Teammates
Inform your coach and teammates about your asthma so they can assist you.
If at any time you feel like you can’t breathe, don’t hesitate to step off the field and puff your inhaler.
9. Have Your Medication Handy
Never leave your inhaler on the bench: always bring it to games and practices.
If you have more severe asthma you may want to have an emergency plan in place with your coach or teammates about what to do if you have a serious flare up.
10, Listen to Your Body
If you begin to feel symptoms — tight chest, wheezing or too much shortness of breath — stop. If you are in the middle of an asthma attack, pushing through is not safe, so stop when you need to.
CHECK OUT | Breast Binding in Women’s Soccer: Benefits, Risks, and Best Practices
Is Soccer a Good Sport for those With Asthma?
Yes!
Soccer can be very good for asthmatic people, because it helps develop lung function and endurance over time. Whereas in continuous endurance sports (like long-distance running), exercise meets with breaks, soccer consists of repetitions of high-intensity bouts, with intervals of lower intensity.
It’s easier to control your breathing this way than when you’re running continuously.
Staying active is often recommended for individuals who have asthma, as regular exercise can help increase lung capacity and overall fitness.
The secret is controlling your condition well.
When Should You Avoid Playing Soccer?
Soccer is generally a safe sport for people with asthma, but there are certain times when you should take extra precautions or skip playing altogether:
- If you have severe or poorly controlled asthma symptoms. If you’re having attacks frequently or need to wake up at night because of asthma, ask your doctor about playing before doing so.
- If you’re sick. colds and respiratory infections can trigger worsening of asthma, so it’s preferable to rest and recover.
- If air quality is poor. Extreme pollution or high pollen counts can make breathing more difficult, so check air quality reports before going outside to play.
What to Do During an Asthma Attack
Even the best preparation doesn’t prevent asthma attacks. Here’s what to do if you sense one approaching:
- Stop playing immediately. Don’t try to tough it out.
- Use your rescue inhaler. Wait a few minutes, and if it does not, take the recommended number of puffs.
- Sit upright. This opens your airways up and eases your breathing.
- Stay calm. “Panicking exacerbates your symptoms, so you want to focus on calm, even breathing.”
- Seek help if needed. Call for emergency assistance right away if your symptoms do not improve after you have taken your inhaler, or if they worsen.
Famous Asthmatic Soccer Players
Before you start to wonder if you can play soccer with asthma, let’s take a look at a few pros who have:
- David Beckham — One of the greatest soccer players in history, Beckham has asthma and still managed to play at the highest level for decades.
- Paul Scholes – Another Manchester United great, Scholes played with asthma and still owned the midfield.
However, if these elite athlete can fight their asthma and succeed to go all the way, so do you!
Myths About Asthma and Soccer
There are many myths surrounding asthma and sports. Let’s bust a few of them.
- Myth 1: Asthmatics should not play sports.
This is completely false. Being active is one of the best things you can do for your asthma. It also drives your lungs to make you healthier.
- Myth 2: If you have asthma, you’ll never be as good as other players.
Tell that to David Beckham. Asthma doesn’t determine what you can or cannot do. Manage that well enough, and you can be as skilled and competitive as anyone else.
- Myth 3: Asthma attacks always happen during games.
Not true. Although exercise can provoke symptoms, plenty of asthmatics participate in sport without difficulty. It’s all about understanding your body and the measures you need to take.
CHECK OUT | Can You Play Soccer With Glasses? Expert Tips
Final Whistle – You’ve Got This
It may take a little extra effort to play soccer with asthma, but it’s totally worth it.
The joy of scoring a goal, the camaraderie of being part of a team, and the thrill of the game are all within your reach. Don’t let asthma hold you back from doing something you love.
