The Role of Athletic Trainers in Managing Asthma

by Sarah Manspeaker, PhD, LAT, ATC, FNAP • Laura Kunkel, EdD, LAT, ATC, FNAP • Kelley Henderson, EdD, LAT, ATC, FNAP • Ericka Zimmerman, EdD, LAT, ATC, FNAP • MaryBeth Horodyski, EdD, LAT, ATC, FNATA, FNAP • Chris O’Brien, PhD, LAT, ATC, FASAHP, FNAP

Asthma is one of the leading non-communicable diseases affecting children and adults. In celebration of National Athletic Training Month (March) and in advance of Asthma Awareness Month (May), it is valuable to note the role of athletic trainers in the education and management of asthma among people who are physically active. As athletic trainers, we have the opportunity to collaborate with other health care professionals to enhance participation and quality of life for those impacted by asthma. In the month of March, as we aim to spread awareness about the important work of athletic trainers, we are highlighting athletic trainers as we are “Champions in Health Care” in many areas, including that of asthma prevention and management.

The Scope of Asthma as a Noncommunicable Disease

Asthma is a chronic, noncommunicable disease (NCD) impacting millions of people across the globe. The World Health Organization identifies that asthma may be underdiagnosed and under-treated, thus increasing the burden on those suffering from it. Generally, in addition to direct breathing issues, cough, chest tightness, and wheezing, asthma sufferers may experience sleep disturbance, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Several factors may contribute to the development of asthma, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Although asthma is not curable, there are several treatment strategies available. The World Health Organization highlights asthma as part of its Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs. Furthermore, Healthy People 2030 has identified goals for respiratory disease including the reduction in number of asthma attacks as well as subsequent emergency department visits and hospitalizations for those diagnosed with asthma.

Athletic Training: A Core Member of Asthma Management

Among the physically active population, athletic trainers are uniquely poised to engage in evidence-based care for asthma. We are educated in asthma symptom recognition, basic pulmonary function testing, airway management, and medication administration, as well as environmental considerations and prevention strategies.

Key Roles of Athletic Trainers in Asthma Management Include:

• Asthma Education: Athletic trainers can serve as the first point of contact for education about asthma during pre-participation meetings and by providing infographics within the athletic training clinic. We are responsible for educating patients on recognizing asthma symptoms, understanding triggering factors, and using inhalers or other prescribed medications before, during, and after physical activity to prevent asthma exacerbations.
• Early Evaluation and Diagnosis: Athletic trainers play a crucial role in identifying athletes who may be at risk for asthma or have existing asthma, ensuring proper documentation of their condition, and collaborating with other health care providers to create individualized asthma management plans.
• Asthma Monitoring: During athletic events or practices, athletic trainers monitor participants for signs of asthma attacks, provide immediate first aid if necessary, and help modify exercise regimens to accommodate an athlete's asthma condition while maintaining peak performance.
• Asthma Treatment: Athletic trainers assist with medication management by ensuring participants have access to their prescribed inhalers or other asthma medications during practices and competitions, and they help educate athletes on the proper use, timing, and dosage to effectively control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Athletic trainers may also implement non-pharmacologic strategies such as nose breathing and limiting exposure to pollutants and allergens, in combination with pharmacologic treatments.
• Asthma Emergency Management: Athletic trainers are trained to respond quickly in the event of an asthma emergency, following a pre-established emergency action plan (EAP) that includes recognizing severe symptoms, administering medication if needed, and seeking immediate medical attention if an asthma attack does not resolve with standard treatments.

Looking Ahead: Champions in Health Care and Asthma Awareness Month

With the upcoming Asthma Awareness Month in May, the Professional Development Committees of the Athletic Training Academy and the overarching National Academies of Practice (NAP) will serve as Champions in Health Care by organizing an online webinar for NAP members to highlight the interprofessional nature of asthma recognition and management. As the next two months evolve, please be aware of communications inviting NAP member experts in this area to contribute as panelists, as well as the open-call for registration to attend the webinar.

We look forward to collaborating with our health care professional partners from across NAP to further discuss the collaborative roles in the education, diagnosis, and management of asthma. Through teamwork, we can positively impact engagement in physical activity among those impacted by asthma.

References:

Casa D.J., Guskiewicz K. M., Anderson S.A., Courson R.W., Heck J. F., Jimenez C.C., et al. (2011). National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Preventing Sudden Death in Sports. Journal of Athletic Training. 47(1): 96-118.

Jesenak M., Bobcakova A., Djukanovic R., Gaga M., Hanania N.A., et al. (2025). Promoting prevention and targeting remission of asthma A EURFOREA Consensus Statement on Raising the Bar in Asthma Care. CHEST. Online ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2024.11.035

Miller M.G., Weiler J.M., Baker R., Collins J., D’Alonzo G. (2005). National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Management of Asthma in Athletics. Journal of Athletic Training. Jul-Sep; 40(3): 224-245.

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.) Respiratory disease. Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/respiratory-disease

The World Health Organization. (2024, May 6). Asthma. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2024, May 29). Asthma Awareness Month. https://www.epa.gov/asthma/asthma-awareness-month#:~:text=May%20is%20Asthma%20Awareness%20Month,respiratory%20disease%20can%20be%20controlled.