Exercise and asthma

So, what if you want your kids to be active, but exercise makes their asthma worse?

I saw an article on Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics website (AANMA) called "Exercise & Asthma: Breathe Strong"

In the article, they talk about exercising with asthma. If you (or your child) is having a hard time exercising with asthma, the first step they recommend is to talk to your doctor. For some people, exercise can trigger an asthma attack. It's called exercise-induced bronchospasm

Some people also call it exercise-induced asthma. It doesn't mean that you can't exercise, it just means that you may need to use your inhaler (or nebulizer) before you exercise. Your doctor can decide what's best for you. Everyone who has asthma is a little different. The AANMA article also says to check to make sure you are using your inhaler correctly. Most people THINK they are, but they may not be using it right. Here's a Youtube video called "How to Use an Inhaler"

Many people also find their medicine works better if they use a holding chamber (it looks like a spacer.)

Some people may be short of breath when they exercise, or think they are REALLY out of shape. Other people may cough or have a tight chest. Mayo Clinic list these symptoms of exercise induced asthma:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Fatigue during exercise
• Poor athletic performance

They also list when you need to get help - FAST!!!

• Shortness of breath or wheezing that is quickly getting worse
• No improvement even after using a rescue inhaler, such as an albuterol inhaler
• Shortness of breath that continues even after you've recovered from your workout

It's important to exercise, so if any of these symptoms sounds like you or your child, call your doctor to see if you need to change/start on an asthma medication.

Many kids may be starting sports with the start of the school year, and we want them to be healthy and happy, right?

Let's go team!!!