What are the Risks for Kids with Asthma While Playing Sports?

Sports are recommended for asthmatic children, but some precautions need to be taken. Here we'll tell you how to practice sports safely.

When parents of asthmatic children meet with their pediatricians, the risks of asthma in sports is something that always comes up. Parents understandably want to know if it’s okay for their children to exercise. They also want to know how much is an acceptable limit.

Although there’s reduced lung capacity in asthmatic children and physical activity can produce symptoms such as wheezing, they should still participate in sports. A child with asthma shouldn’t be deprived of sports, especially if it’s something the child enjoys. 

In any case, there are certain sports that are more recommended for asthmatics and others that are not so. The latter requires extra care. It’s also important to make the distinction between a child with light, intermittent asthma that only presents isolated episodes, versus a child with chronic, persistent asthma that needs to be medicated.

Gymnastics and cycling are usually very safe sports for asthmatic children. It’s rare that these exercises cause a bronchospasm crisis. It’s still always necessary to be cautious if your child is participating in a sport for an extended period of time or doing snow sports, such as skiing.

Asthma risks in sports: what is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition, which is to say that it doesn’t go away over time. It’s not a cold or a passing cough. With asthma, there’s a persistent inflammation in the respiratory airways, and because of this, the bronchi react to stimuli and produce asthmatic symptoms.

Due to bronchial inflammation, asthmatic children can feel as if they’re having problems getting air into and out of their lungs. The most affected mechanism is exhaling, or the process of expelling air from the lungs.

In order to control the asthmatic state, pediatricians and pulmonologists usually prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and bronchodilators. These are usually prescribed in the form of inhalers. The first are in an effort to reduce inflammation in the internal part of the bronchi, while the latter is to open the respiratory paths.

Despite being a chronic illness, the symptoms of asthma can manifest in acute and worsening fits. It’s rare for an asthmatic child to have symptoms all the time. There are triggers that can worsen the crisis, and some of these triggers can be:

• Airborne substances such as pollen, dust mites, and tobacco smoke.
• Cold weather
• Pathogenic microorganisms: flu virus, cold, etc.
• Exercise

Exercise-induced asthma

Also known as exercise-induced bronchospasm, this is a form of asthma in which a person exhibits symptoms after participating in a sports activity. The bronchi are obstructed, but the process is reversible.

In general, the symptoms manifest 15 minutes after a physical activity ends. It’s typical for a child to take a rest from running, for example, and then experience the bronchospasm. Sometimes the lack of air can occur while exercising, but this isn’t common.

However, exercise-induced bronchospasm isn’t exclusive to those who suffer from asthma. There have been cases in children with no prior history of asthma. More than 80 percent of these cases are in asthmatic children.

Sports risks for asthmatic children

Asthmatic children can and should participate in sports. Their parents need to be equipped with the proper tools to assist their children in the case of asthma risks in sports.

When deciding on which sport to play, we’ve already mentioned some of the safer options in this article. Even the more risky options, such as long-distance races and snow sports such as skiing, are okay, but participants need to be more alert.

On the other hand, it’s highly recommended to participate in sports that naturally incorporate a rest period in the middle of the game, such as soccer or swimming. These small respites give the body time to regulate bronchial dilation and reduce asthma risks in sports.

Parents and coaches can’t forget the usefulness and availability of medication for acute symptoms. They always need to be aware of the appropriate dosage and usage of the inhaler. Most asthmatic children have developed a routine of using the inhaler ten minutes before beginning to exercise.

Environmental conditions also need to be closely monitored. If it’s an outdoor sport and it’s cold, the child should use a scarf or a mask that covers the nose and mouth. If it’s a place with lots of visible pollution, such as the presence of smoke, for example, it’s not recommended that the child should participate.

Is it safe for asthmatic children to play sports?

Yes, it’s safe for children with asthma to play sports. The responsible adults need to ensure that they’re taking the logical steps to lower the factors of asthma risks in sports. The availability of medications such as bronchodilators and keeping an eye on the environment and weather are the keys to exercising safely.