Because of the vigorous physical activity involved, you may wonder if it’s safe for your asthmatic child to engage in any sports. While it may seem counterintuitive, it’s not just okay, it’s highly recommended. Joining a sports team will allow your son or daughter to strengthen their heart and lungs through regular, aerobic exercise. With a stronger respiratory system, your child will better be able to handle the symptoms of asthma. Additionally, regular aerobic exercise will lower your child’s risk factor for contracting obesity, a disorder that is known to make the symptoms of asthma worse. To make sure your child can enjoy all the benefits of joining a recreation league or school sports team, you only need to take a few precautionary measures.
Administer Control Medication
As running back and forth across a field outdoors has the potential to trigger your child’s asthma in a number of different ways, such as inhaling tree pollen, it’s essential that they take two doses of asthma control medication daily. The easiest way to make sure your child takes their medication is to make it part of their morning and evening routine. Not doing so might result in your child skipping a necessary dose because they got distracted and forgot. A qualified asthma specialist can prescribe your child with the appropriate control medication.
Pack an Inhaler
In addition to taking rescue medication daily, it’s also important that your child has access to a rescue inhaler. Control medication is good for keeping your child’s condition stable on a day-to-day basis, but it’s not fast acting enough to help them in the midst of an asthma attack. If they experience an attack on the field, they’ll need access to their inhaler right away. Make sure they take the film inhaler with them to every practice session and game.
Coordinate with the Coach
In order to ensure your child’s safety, you should make sure their coach is informed of their condition. You should inform them of the severity of your child’s condition, any warning signs that indicate an asthma attack may be imminent, a list of their medications and the name and contact information of their doctor. This information will be essential in the event that your child has an asthma attack during a game and needs emergency medical intervention. It will also help the coach determine how often and in what position to play your child depending on certain conditions. For example, playing a position that requires a great deal of running on a hot and windy day would not be a good idea for an asthmatic child.
If you need help controlling your child’s asthma, contact us today to set up an appointment. Dr. Shulka has the skills and experience necessary to prescribe a course of treatment that will help make your child’s condition manageable.
