Project 3: Case Study Analysis

Hailey Armijo

Department of Health Education, Pasadena City College

HED 051: Health and Social Justice

Professor Grace Apiafi

December 6, 2023
 Despite Jose’s asthma, he is an active young man and a star basketball player in his

community. Jose has been stricken with this ailment since he was a child, using an inhaler when

he has trouble breathing or when he begins to have coughing fits. Because of his asthma, Jose is

not new to doctors’ appointments or hospital visits, but thankfully, he doesn’t live far from the

hospital and has support in getting there and receiving treatment. He also has no trouble

affording his inhalers and medication, as his family insurance covers them. With all of this in

mind, Jose still has the potential of a severe asthma attack that could be life-threatening and

require him to be hospitalized, and his involvement in basketball could create higher risks.

Though Jose is at risk of a life-threatening asthma attack, he does not have to give up

sports because of his asthma if he takes the steps to prevent having a severe asthma attack. He

needs to understand his limits and listen to his body if he suspects an asthma attack is coming. If

I were in Jose’s position, I would seek additional professional help in order to learn more about

my condition and how to manage it, especially as an athlete. I would also want to know how to

take preventative measures and how to manage an asthma attack when it occurs. That being said,

I find it comforting to ensure that I can prevent a health emergency before it happens, so seeking

information from medical professionals is the most logical thing anyone can do to stay safe.

The main recommendations for Jose are to reduce the risks of an asthma attack wherever

he can while also using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Reducing

risks includes avoiding and minimizing exposure to allergens or air pollutants which can trigger

asthma attacks. This can be allergens inside and outside the home, such as pet dander, mold, or

pollens. Moreover, Jose should avoid areas where there are high levels of air pollutants like

smog from car exhaust (Johnson, 1996). Cold and dry air are also factors that can cause asthma

symptoms. A study on respiratory health in athletes found that exercising in areas where the air
is cold and dry can lead to dehydration stress, where the “release of inflammatory mediators that

ultimately cause airway narrowing in those athletes with asthma” (Kippelen, 2012). This can be

prevented by avoiding or limiting exercising time in areas with cold and dry air conditions. The

study also found that finding spaces with warmer air and higher humidity prevents athletes from

dehydration stress. (Kippelen, 2012). Lastly, pharmacological and non-pharmacological

interventions are recommended. Examples of non-pharmacological interventions are warm-ups

and intermittent exercises. These exercises help “increase bronchial blood flow,” which mitigates

asthma symptoms. Examples of pharmacological interventions are inhaled corticosteroids, which

come as inhalers. (Kippelen, 2012). These inhaled corticosteroids have shown to be effective in

those with “chronic asthma instability” and those with either moderate or severe asthma.”

(Johnson, 1996). These are just some of the main recommendations for combating and

preventing severe asthma attacks in athletes and active people. Jose already uses one of these

recommendations, which is his use of an inhaler. Taking the other preventative measures into

account, like keeping away from allergens and air pollutants, minimizing the amount of time

spent exercising in rooms with cold, dry air, and easing into physical activity rather than starting

full force, will allow Jose to be able to continue and be successful in his basketball career.

Overall, these recommendations give Jose the option of continuing basketball even with

this asthma by reducing his risk of triggering a severe asthma attack. The community can help

contribute to lowering the risk of a severe asthma attack for Jose and other people with asthma.

This can be done by spreading awareness and creating asthma-conscious spaces where the

recommendations are implemented, such as gyms with higher temperatures and higher

humidities or outdoor areas with less traffic nearby to avoid exposure to car exhaust. Taking the
initiative in health matters within ourselves and for others gives everyone a chance to be able to

participate in an active lifestyle.

 References

Johnson, F., Apter, A. J., & ZuWallack, R. (1996, April). Asthma: 10 steps to averting

hospitalizations. Consultant, 36(4). Gale Academic OneFile.

https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A18389529/AONE?u=pasa19871&sid=bookmark-

AONE&xid=6986ce5a

Kippelen, P., Fitch, K. D., Anderson, S. D., Bougalt, V., Boulet, L.-P., Rundell, K. W.,

Sue-Chu, M., & McKenzie, D. C. (2012, April 20). Respiratory health of elite athletes –

preventing airway injury: a critical review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 46, 471-

476. BMJ Journals. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/46/7/471