Exercise and asthma
Many children with asthma find that their symptoms are worse when they exercise. Doctors call this exercise-induced asthma.
It's more likely to happen if your child exercises in cold and windy conditions.1 2 So, your child is more likely to get symptoms if they're skiing or ice skating than if they're swimming in a heated pool. Some children get symptoms when they leave their home on a cold day.2
Your child is less likely to get asthma when exercising if their asthma is well controlled with the right treatment. Using a quick-relief inhaler before exercise can prevent these symptoms.
Sources for the information on this page:
- Lemanske RF Jr, Busse WW. Asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2003; 111: 502-519. 12592297
- McFadden ER Jr. Asthma: Diseases of the respiratory system. In: Braunwald E, Hauser SL, Fauci AS, et al (editors). Harrison's principles of internal medicine, volume 2. 15th edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, U.S.A,; 2001.
This information was last updated in Aug 01, 2008
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This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
