If your child has asthma and wants to play sports, don t be reluctant to indulge those athletic aspirations.
Studies have shown that exercise, particularly aerobic, can actually improve lung power.
Years ago, exercise was considered dangerous for children and adults with asthma, a chronic inflammatory lung disease. However, times have changed. Parents of children with asthma should help guide them in making a reasonable choice of activity that doesn t set them up for disappointment or failure because of a high level of allergens and asthma triggers, according to Welch, who practices medicine at the Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and the Research Center in San Diego, Calif. Activities that are more intense and sustained such as long periods of running, basketball, and soccer are more likely to provide asthma symptoms or an asthma episode, even though Olympic medalists with asthma have demonstrated these activities are possible. Check with your child s doctor to see if these activities are appropriate for your child. If your doctor has prescribed medications like inhaled corticosteroids for daily use, make sure your child uses them faithfully.