Running on the court, inhaling, exhaling, and inhaling again is something so simple that most people can almost ignore it. Breathing, however, is a struggle and luxury for some people.
Asthma is a catastrophe that accompanies daily life for many people, and it is estimated that more than 3 million people worldwide suffer from it.
Richard Jefferson, who has spent 18 seasons in the NBA and currently plays for the Golden Nuggets, has to deal with asthma victims.
Although he is already a veteran, Jefferson has had a very bright and successful NBA career and was an important member of the Cavaliers' championship win in 2016. However, what most people don’t know is that Jefferson has been fighting with severe asthma. In the past 25 years, severe asthma once sent him to the emergency room, not to mention being unable to play football practices and games. A few years ago, incurable asthma gave Jefferson the idea of retirement.
"The first time my asthma was severe enough to go to the hospital was when I was in fifth or sixth grade. I lay in bed all night with a tube in my mouth." Jefferson told USA TODAY Sports in an interview. "I was struggling to breathe and just wanted to After taking in a breath of life-saving breath, my lungs almost collapsed."
From then on, Jefferson's life revolved around the fear of being out of breath. His inhaler must be at hand at all times, and he must be careful when traveling to a new place because the climate or environment may give him nightmares. Reappearance.
As he grew older, Jefferson's asthma symptoms lessened and he played a season in Arizona during his college years. He believed that Arizona's climate was the most livable city for asthma patients. In 2001, Jefferson joined the NBA (he was drafted by the Rockets with the 13th overall pick, but was immediately traded to the Nets). His intensive travel schedule, which required him to play in many cities with changing climates, would expose Jefferson's asthma problem. , even aggravated.
In 2009, after Jefferson was traded to the Spurs, his asthma began to relapse. "I found that my asthma recurred, and it even affected my work, rest and game." Jefferson's data also declined, from the highly anticipated average of about 20 points per game. The strong offensive and defensive players have turned into ineffective reinforcements with an average of about 10 points per game. "My asthma made me as tired as I was in the fourth quarter from the first quarter. I couldn't get enough oxygen. This is motivation for athletes, so my performance plummeted."
Jefferson began looking for a permanent solution, trying various treatments, from Ventolin inhalers to Prednisone, a "steroid" drug that acts like a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. It can increase antibody cells in the body and enhance the body's resistance) to spray treatments (nebulizers), but the side effects caused by it were unbearable to Jefferson.
"Most people think that after a 10-year career, the decline in data and physical fitness is a natural phenomenon." Jefferson said, "But I know that my situation is different. I need to completely cure the asthma symptoms, not rely on drugs to suppress the symptoms."
At that time, Jefferson discovered bronchial thermoplasty (BT), an outpatient treatment that does not require medication (approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2010). During the treatment, the doctor will pass a long elastic tube called a bronchoscope through the trachea and into the lungs under direct observation, and heat the tube walls of specific parts of the lungs to 65 degrees Celsius to break down some muscles and allow The muscles of the trachea are less likely to contract.
After being traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2012, Jefferson happened to find a local doctor with the most experience in BT in the country, which also gained him a lot of confidence. “I was super nervous, mainly because I was the only one who received BT treatment. Professional athletes. I have not discussed this with anyone, including the team. It is entirely based on my own research and actions."
Jefferson underwent bronchial cauterization during the summer of 2012, but other injuries continued to plague his body.
The next season, Jefferson was plagued by back and leg injuries. His average time per game dropped to a career-low 10.1 minutes per game (and career-low scoring average of 3.1 points). Of course, he was no longer the team's main rotation. At that time, Jefferson was thinking and debating whether he should hang up his jersey. "I told myself that even if I retire now, I will still have a good playing career."
Fortunately, the situation began to improve. In the summer of 2013, Jefferson was traded to the Jazz again. At this time, he found that his physical condition had greatly improved, and his average time per game also increased to 27 minutes. After 4 seasons, he averaged 27 minutes per game. The score returned to 10.1 points. "After undergoing bronchial cauterization, coupled with dietary and physical adjustments, including doing yoga, playing volleyball, or engaging in dynamic activities, I found that my physical condition is getting better and better." Especially since asthma is no longer a major concern. "Now, I can breathe on the court, open my lungs, and have enough oxygen to run."
Five years later, Jefferson still suffers from asthma, but the symptoms have been greatly reduced. Jefferson credits the bronchial cauterization surgery for allowing him to continue running on the court. "Everyone's condition is different, but I have been receiving treatment continuously in the past few years, so I can continue Playing ball, bronchial cautery played a big role.”
The 37-year-old Jefferson is currently working with Boston Scientific to help educate patients with severe asthma and also serves as the spokesperson for the Alair System, a device for bronchial cauterization. "The cooperation with Boston Scientific is purely based on wanting to help people who also suffer from asthma. I understand. Asthma is so painful, so this is the perfect opportunity to step up."
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