Online Program Teaches Coaches About Asthma

By Nicole Wiseman and Chris Howell, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- One in thirteen children in Oklahoma have asthma. It's the most common reason why kids are absent from school.

"Most people think it's going to be a sore throat, that's the number one reason, or a stomach ache to keep a child out of school. But it's not. It's asthma," said Jane T. Purser, M.D.

And like most kids, even those with asthma love playing sports.

"If you look at a football team or you look at a soccer team, you're going to know about one of those children has a severe, potentially life-threatening disease in Oklahoma," said Purser.

Four children died last year in Oklahoma because of asthma. Two of those deaths were in Tulsa. Now a new program, Winning With Asthma, is teaching coaches about the disease.

"This is a wonderful program that will allow the coaches to feel empowered and how to recognize that it is a disease that can be treated. They don't have to keep that kid from playing. They can get them right back out there," said Purser. "But on the other hand, they can act as an adult and say no you need to come off the field and take your medicine."

The free progam is a 30-minute video taught by other coaches. It teaches all about asthma, how it affects an athlete's performance, and how the coach can help an athlete manage their symptoms.

Doctors say in the long run, it benefits everyone.

"They'll have a more successful team and we're going to have healthier kids because they'll be safe. They'll be having coaches that are aware of warning signs and aware of how to treat them," said Purser.

Doctors hope all coaches take the time to watch the video.

Watch the Featured Videos to learn more about asthma!