Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and staying fit throughout life. If your child has asthma, it is still important to encourage staying active.

While it can be scary to watch your child exert his or herself knowing that an asthma attack could happen, there are some ways to help reduce that risk while still allowing your child to participate.

We want to partner with you to support your children through whatever activities they love to do! Our staff at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN frequently treats athletes with asthma and we provide some insight below.

Are Sports Even Safe for Kids With Asthma?

Under the right conditions, yes. As long as the asthma is well-managed and can be controlled by medication, there is no reason why your child cannot participate in the sports he or she is passionate about.

Sports aren’t simply important for physical health! They are proven to help with mental health, body confidence and social skills, so it is necessary to encourage activity whenever possible. If you want to start slow, below are some great lower-intensity options to start with.

Asthma-Friendly Sports

• Golf
• Baseball/softball
• Biking
• Short-distance track and field events

What Sports Should Be Avoided If You Have Asthma?

The goal of managing asthma during physical activity is to provide adequate rest time, so any endurance sports can prove to be a bit more difficult to manage. Sports like cross country and soccer have minimal opportunity for rest and can be harder on your child. When the temperature outside drops, any outdoor activities can also be more problematic as the air gets much thinner and harder to breathe.

While that can all sound scary, it shouldn’t deter you from allowing your child to participate in these sports! All it takes is a little preparation and flexibility and he or she can pursue any sport.

Tips for Managing Asthma

• Utilize a scarf or ski mask to breathe through when it is cold outside.
• Stay up to date on any medications or inhaler prescriptions.
• Note any high pollen count days and avoid the outdoors.
• Warm-up and cool down extensively.

If you think your child’s asthma is getting worse, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Athens!