1. Chapter 20 Medical Conditions

2. 2 Specific Medical Conditions Affecting Athletes Diabetes mellitus

3. 3 Immediate Treatment for Symptoms of Diabetic Problems Athlete has been advised as to what to do if starting to experience symptoms of trouble –Carbohydrate snack if blood sugar has gotten too low

4. 4 Immediate Treatment for Symptoms of Diabetic Problems If the athlete goes into a diabetic coma due to blood sugar being too high –EMS should be contacted immediately –Vital signs should be monitored

5. 5 Immediate Treatment for Symptoms of Diabetic Problems Instructions for dealing with diabetic problems should be recorded as a part of the athlete’s health history –Trainer should be aware of how to proceed before the situation arises

6. 6 Hypoglycemia and Insulin Shock If an athlete with diabetes mellitus participates in intense exercise: –Energy may be burned rapidly, depleting blood sugar levels –If not properly prepared the athlete could experience hypoglycemia Low blood sugar

7. 7 Hypoglycemia and Insulin Shock Symptoms of hypoglycemia –Headache, nausea, weakness, loss of motor coordination, profuse perspiration, and anxiety –Can lead to insulin shock, convulsions, coma and death

8. 8 Hypoglycemia and Insulin Shock Generally a diabetic carries some type of sugar with them at all times –Any coma should result in EMS being called immediately

9. 9 Asthma Recurring temporary constriction of the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs People who suffer from this disease can have lungs that are unusually sensitive to airborne irritants and allergens

10. 10 Asthma Symptoms –Wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing –Brought on by increase in activity, allergic reactions, animal allergies, food allergies or smog Potentially life-threatening

11. 11 Asthma If an athlete experiencing symptoms: –Should sit down with arms elevated and supported by a pillow on the table –Contact EMS –Encourage athlete to use his/her inhaler –Should drink water, control breathing, and relax

12. 12 Asthma If an athlete experiencing symptoms: –Inhalers prescribed by the athlete’s physician should always be available –There may be restrictions during competition for using inhalers

13. 13 Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy) Epilepsy –Group of nervous system disorders –Disturbed rhythms of the electrical impulses that fire through the cerebrum –Disturbed rhythms result in seizure activity

14. 14 Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy) A seizure can range from a minor attack or a major episode During a grand mal seizure –Athlete may defecate and/or urinate –Bite the tongue, or experience some other type of injury as a result of uncontrolled muscle spasms or shaking

15. 15 Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy) Seizures can last from 2-5 minutes –Generally, the individual with a seizure disorder (unless this is the first time) will be on medication

16. 16 Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy) Immediate treatment –Ensure that the athlete does not harm himself/herself –Clear the area about the person –Contact EMS

17. 17 Appendicitis Vermiform appendix –Narrow worm-shaped tube that attaches to the cecum –Portion of the large intestine Appendix becomes inflamed

18. 18 Appendicitis Symptoms –Intestinal flu virus –Results in appendicitis Pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and bowel disruption

19. 19 Appendicitis Symptoms –Occur quickly over a period of 2-3 hours –Athlete usually will find relief by bringing knees to the chest If the appendix ruptures, it can cause a life threatening infection –Contact EMS immediately because surgery is needed

20. 20 Genetic Heart Conditions Defect may cause the athlete to suffer cardiac arrest Physical exertion may stress the heart to a point that it cannot meet demands of the body –Heart attack can result

21. 21 Genetic Heart Conditions Direct blow to the chest –Can further damage an already weakened heart, such as a valve defect Cardiac arrest is always treated the same way: –Begin CPR and contact EMS immediately!

22. 22 Common Viruses Colds or flu are generally not considered to be emergencies Can still threaten an athlete’s health and his/her performance Contagious –Can threaten the health of an entire team

23. 23 Common Viruses Dehydration –Always a possibility when vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever is present Antibiotics –Are not effective against a virus

24. 24 Common Viruses Recommended –Rest and over-the-counter cold and flu remedies –Time for the virus to run its course –Flu shots can also help in prevention

25. 25 Common Viruses Good hygiene –Best way to prevent transmission by washing hands –Avoiding sharing towels, water bottles