WNBA star forward, Ashley Battle, hails from Pittsburgh and has played for the New York Liberty since 2006. Ashley, who was first diagnosed with asthma at age six, had many years where she didn't experience any symptoms at all (asymptomatic). Then, during her freshman year of college at the University of Connecticut, she started feeling increasingly winded during basketball practice. She was evaluated and diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Many kids have had experiences similar to Ashley's: they go long periods of time without any symptoms, and then suddenly become symptomatic again after a triggering event.
Just like when she was in 5th grade and was the only girl on the boys' basketball team, Ashley wouldn't let anything stop her from playing competitive sports - not even asthma.
With the proper treatment, which in her case is a bronchodilator and warm-up before playing, Ashley's asthma is well controlled. In 2000, she earned a gold medal as a member of the USA Junior World Championship Qualifying Team. She was also part of
three NCAA Championship teams, reached a NCAA Women's Basketball record with 70 consecutive wins, and was known as the top defensive player in the nation. And in 2003, she was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
Athletes like Ashley Battle serve as role models for kids with
exercise-induced asthma. They are proof that with the proper diagnosis and treatment, anyone can achieve their dreams!
Read Ashley Battle's inspiring interview (located below), given exclusively to Breathe Easy Play Hard...
1. At what age were you diagnosed with asthma?
I was diagnosed with asthma at a young age at six years old. I didn't have any prior symptoms. I had an attack and was rushed to the hospital. At the time the doctors said that I would grow out of it and in high school I had no symptoms at all. During my freshman year of College I would get really tired really quickly during practice and games. I was tested again and I was diagnosed with exercised induced asthma.
2. Do any other family members have asthma? Did they suspect what you had or did it take a long time to come to a doctor's attention for evaluation and treatment?
My Aunt is an asthmatic. It never occurred to any of my family members that I would have asthma. It took me having an attack in order for the doctors to realize that I had asthma.
3. What were your symptoms when you were younger?
When I would exercise I would get shortness of breath and I would get really tired easily.
4. Did you ever have a scary breathing episode?
Yes, when I was a kid I was wrestling with my Aunt and I could not breathe, and was rushed to the hospital.
5. Did you take your medicines every day or did you skip some? Was there a point where you realized that asthma could be quite serious if you didn't take your medicines?
I take my medication 30 minutes before I partake in exercise. There has been a few incidents where I've forgotten to take my medication and when it's difficult for me to breathe, then I realize that I forgot to take my medication.
6. Did you feel a difference with your medication?
Having controlled breathing makes everything easier in sports. Instead of you worrying if you're going to have an attack, you can concentrate on the sport that you're participating in.
7. How do you handle your asthma now?
I take medication before I start playing. That seems to work best for me.
8. What would you want to tell kids out there with asthma?
Asthma is a very serious illness. But it is an illness that can be controlled if you are first aware of your illness and you take the necessary precautions to prevent having an attack. Good luck with asthma, if I can overcome asthma so can you.
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