A few short sprints over five to ten minutes before vigorous games may protect the lungs for an hour or so. If your child takes their reliever inhaler but still gets wheezy after exercising, it's a sign that their asthma might not be properly under control. Go and see your doctor or nurse. They will be able to adjust their treatment to help get them fit and healthy again. And remember - your child should always have their reliever close at hand during exercise.
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for children with asthma.
It rarely provokes an attack unless the water is very cold or heavily chlorinated. Exercise is not the only trigger your child may come across at school. Others include school pets, grass pollen, fumes from glue, paint and chemicals used in science lessons, cold air and excitement, stress, or even a long fit of laughing. For more on triggers and how to avoid them, see our booklet Asthma in Daily Life. What to do in an asthma attack It is vitally important to keep your child's asthma under control through the correct use of asthma medication.