Helping Your Child with Asthma Stay Active

A chronic condition that can affect those of all ages, asthma is a disorder in which the airways experience inflammation and narrowing, making breathing difficult. Asthma can be triggered by several factors, including allergens in the environment and physical activity, and causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. 

Although asthma is certainly worth your concern, it doesn’t mean that children with the condition should miss out on sports, playtime, or physical activity. The right management plan can help kids with asthma live active, healthy, and happy lives.

If you’re concerned that your child with asthma might have breathing difficulties if engaged in sports and physical activity, read on. Learn more about how working with your child’s pediatrician, choosing the right activities, and being prepared for potential flare-ups can help your child more fully enjoy an active life. 

Team Up With Your Child’s Pediatrician

First and foremost, you should work with your child’s pediatrician if you plan on your child participating in physical activities. The pediatrician should be able to offer guidance and resources to help you better manage your child’s condition.

  • Schedule regular checkups: As asthma symptoms can change over time, it’s important that doctor visits are held regularly. Such visits can help monitor your child’s asthma control and make any adjustments necessary to keep your child’s treatment plan up-to-date. The pediatrician can modify medication prescriptions and recommend lifestyle changes if your child has worse symptoms or more frequent flare-ups.
  • Ask about an asthma action plan: Having a straightforward, systematic approach to dealing with asthma can make the condition easier to manage. An asthma plan lays out daily management steps as well as what to do in an emergency. It can also include information on medication usage, triggers to avoid, and tips on when to seek medical attention. An action plan can help not just you and your child but also teachers and caregivers who may be positioned to respond if symptoms arise.
  • Talk about medication for exercise-induced symptoms: Some kids experience exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), which is airway narrowing caused by physical exertion. A pediatrician may recommend pre-exercise inhalation to stop symptoms from manifesting. Another recommendation may be the use of long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, if a pediatrician thinks this approach is necessary for children who experience asthma symptoms frequently.

Choose Activities That Fit Your Child’s Needs

Not all physical activities affect children with asthma in the same way. Choosing the right activity can help reduce the risk of flare-ups while still providing a child with exercise and the chance to be active with peers.

  • Low-intensity activities: Certain low-intensity exercises like swimming, walking, and biking are often good options for children with asthma. The warm, humid air in indoor pools reduces airway irritation and tends to be particularly good for children.
  • Sports involving short bursts of energy: Sports like baseball, gymnastics, and martial arts involve brief periods of exertion and periods of recovery time. Sports involving short bursts of energy are less likely to trigger breathing difficulties compared to endurance sports.
  • Warm-up and cool-down routines: Warming up before exercising and cooling down afterward reduces the chance of asthma symptoms appearing. A warm-up prepares the lungs and heart for activity, while a cool-down helps prevent sudden airway constriction.

Be Prepared For Possible Flare-Ups

Regardless of what activity you choose and the precautions you take, you should always be ready for a flare-up of asthma symptoms. Take the right steps to manage flare-ups, including these suggestions:

  • Always carry a rescue inhaler: Ensure your child has quick access to their inhaler when exercising to provide rapid relief if they have breathing difficulties.
  • Inform coaches, teachers, and caregivers: Anyone who is granted responsibility for your child should be aware of their condition and have access to your asthma action plan so they will have information on what to do in the event of an asthma attack.
  • Watch for environmental triggers: Be mindful of triggers like cold air, pollen, smoke, and strong odors, and take precautions if triggers are present. For instance, wearing a mask or scarf over their mouth can help a child keep warm and humidify as they breathe.

Encourage Safe And Fun Exercise

Children with chronic conditions can be at risk of developing the presumption that they can’t participate in activities like other kids. Taking steps to help them feel more motivated and active can help.

  • Choose fun activities: Let your child pick activities they find fun. Recommend options like dancing, yoga, and biking.
  • Teach early warning signs: Make your child aware of signs of asthma flare-ups, like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, so they know when to take action and notify an adult.
  • Encourage breaks: Breaks are necessary for avoiding overexertion. Ensure your child knows they should take breaks regularly.

Help Your Child Build Healthy Habits

A healthy lifestyle can significantly help in the management of asthma symptoms, as well as improve your child’s general well-being.

  • Maintain a balanced diet: Proper nutrition can improve the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve asthma control. Include foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, as they can improve lung function.
  • Ensure adequate sleep: Sleep quality and length are important for keeping asthma symptoms in check. The body needs to recover, or it will become more at risk of asthma triggers and respiratory infections.
  • Manage stress levels: Anxiety and stress are asthma triggers. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and taking part in fun hobbies can help manage stress.
  • Stay hydrated: Ensure your child drinks enough water before, during, and after exercise to keep airways clear and prevent constriction.

Asthma Treatment For Kids In Rexburg

Physical activity is vital for the well-being of your child’s body and mind. The team at Rexburg Pediatrics includes dedicated specialists who can help you create and follow a personalized asthma management plan for your child, helping your child live an active and fulfilling life.

To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician, call (208) 346-8400.