Keeping your kids active is one of the best things you can do for them. If your child has an asthma diagnosis, it is even more important to foster a healthy relationship with exercise.

While it can seem scary to watch your child run around knowing that an attack could happen at any moment, there are ways that you can reduce that risk every day!

We can help support a positive relationship between your child and exercise. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah knows all about asthma and offers some tips below.

Is It Safe for Child With Asthma to Play Sports?

Yes! As long as your child’s asthma is well-understood and can be managed by medication, there should be no reason why your child cannot pursue the sports that interest him or her.

Since sports are great for more than just physical health, it is crucial to let your child stay involved. If you still have reservations, below are some great sports to start out with.

Asthma-Friendly Activities

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

What’s Off-Limits for Someone With Asthma?

No single sport is truly off-limits when considering the risk of an asthma attack, but there are some sports that will require a bit more planning and preparation. Any endurance sports that limit the amount of rest time can be troublesome for your child. For example, soccer and cross country have little to no time to catch your breath, so it may be more difficult for your child to participate. In addition, any cold weather sports can be harder to manage as the air is much thinner.

The sky’s the limit! With a little advanced planning and the flexibility to adapt as needed, your child should be able to pursue the sports career he or she dreams about.

Tips for Managing Asthma

• Carry a scarf or ski mask to breathe through when the weather gets cold.
• Always carry your inhaler with you.
• Avoid exertion on high pollen count days or during allergy season.
• Take the time for warming up and cooling down properly.

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