Sporting hero David Beckham has revealed his long term battle with asthma.
The secret was exposed last night as the superstar was snapped using an inhaler during the Major League Soccer Cup final in Seattle and Beckham’s agent has confirmed the superstar has had the condition ‘since he was a young boy’.
Like Beckham, asthmatics can learn how to control the condition to minimise its affects on their everyday lives. More than 5.2 million people in the UK are treated for asthma and Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers, also an asthma suffer, says, 'A number of asthmatics I see don’t have the right technique.' But when the correct medication and technique are used, sufferers don’t need to shy away from sports.
"Inhalation should be slow and steady with the patient holding the inhaled breath in for five seconds before breathing out.
"In this way you create a wind tunnel through your airways and your lungs which are then relaxed and open up. You should always wait for 60 seconds before repeating the process.!
‘Another reason people with asthma have difficulty controlling symptoms is because they under-use their preventers and over-use their relievers.
Relievers should also be used around 15 minutes before coming into contact with known triggers, such as before exercise;' says Angela.
‘Using a preventer helps children to get their asthma under control and helps them to participate in sport and lead a ‘normal’ life. Having to use an inhaler can make a child feel different, however if you are concerned you should always seek further advice from your healthcare professional.
"The preventers protective effects take a week to kick in and build up over time. Its use can help stop the airways from being sensitive to asthma triggers.
‘Older people who have problems with coordination, often find a breath-activated inhaler easier to manage or they can be given a spacer.
"Children as young as three can also learn to use an inhaler with a spacer, and for babies and very young children a face mask can be attached.
‘If you suffer from asthma, visit your pharmacist or GP. We can help you get the best results from your medication. With the correct treatment, support and advice most asthmatics can lead full and active lives, and like so many treatments it is all about compliance.'
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