Exercise and Obesity

Exercise & Asthma

Exercise can trigger symptoms of asthma. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a feeling of chest tightness during or after exercise. Some children are not aware of these symptoms, but know that they tire easily and cannot do as much as their friends.

Children with asthma should be encouraged to exercise. Research shows that they can benefit greatly from exercise — physically and in terms of self-esteem and confidence. Participation in swimming, soccer, bowling, basketball, rollerblading and bike riding are only some of the activities children with asthma can enjoy. It is encouraging to know that even some Olympic athletes have asthma. Chronic control of asthma can allow children to tolerate exercise much better.

Actions You Can Take for Exercise and Obesity

• If exercise makes your child’s asthma worse, your doctor may prescribe inhaled medication, which blocks exercise-induced asthma. When taken 10-15 minutes before exercise, this “pre-treatment” is effective in preventing asthma symptoms. Older children may be responsible for using a pre-treatment before exercise as prescribed.

• A child with exercise-induced asthma needs to learn to determine when he or she is having asthma symptoms during or after exercise. If coughing or wheezing begins, the child should take a short rest and follow the Asthma Action Plan.

• A child can warm up before exercise.

• It is important that children learn to pace themselves.

Obesity and Asthma