Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs’ rising star, is facing an unexpected challenge in his rookie season - Texas allergies. As a newcomer to the Lone Star State, Wembanyama is experiencing the notorious “cedar fever” that plagues many Central Texas residents.
During recent press conferences, Wembanyama has appeared visibly affected by allergies, with a congested voice and obvious discomfort. This isn’t uncommon for newcomers to the region, as Central Texas is known for its particularly potent allergens.
Dr. Ryan McCorkle, an emergency medicine specialist, explains that the body’s immune system often reacts to these allergens as if they were harmful invaders. This leads to symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, and swollen throat. For athletes like Wembanyama, these symptoms can significantly impact performance and overall well-being.
Interestingly, Dr. McCorkle notes that allergy responses tend to worsen in the second or third year of exposure. This means Wembanyama might face even more significant challenges in the coming seasons as his body develops a stronger reaction to local allergens.
Managing Allergies in Professional Sports
For professional athletes like Wembanyama, managing allergies is crucial. Over-the-counter medications can provide relief, but stronger treatments may be necessary in some cases. Dr. McCorkle mentions that some individuals require prescription mixtures or even desensitization therapy to combat severe allergic reactions.
The Spurs’ medical staff likely keeps a close eye on players’ allergy symptoms, especially during high-pollen seasons. For Wembanyama, adapting to life in South Texas will include learning to manage these new health challenges alongside his basketball career.
Concussion Protocols in the NBA
In other medical news, former Spur Cedi Osman recently went through the NBA’s concussion protocol. Dr. McCorkle explains that concussions are diagnosed when a player experiences symptoms like headache, nausea, or confusion after a head injury, but imaging shows no bleeding in the brain.
The NBA’s concussion testing compares a player’s cognitive performance to their pre-season baseline. This helps determine if players need to enter the concussion protocol and how long they should remain sidelined.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the medical aspects of professional basketball, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- Near-miss injuries in recent Spurs games
- The physical toll of the upcoming rodeo road trip on players’ bodies
- Thoughts on the De’Aaron Fox trade and its impact on the Spurs
