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Exercise-Induced Asthma

Many things can trigger an asthma attack, such as pollen, cigarette smoke and air pollution. However, nearly all people who have asthma are affected at some level during exercise and physical activity.

By OC FamilyPublished: November, 2006

Many things can trigger an asthma attack, such as pollen, cigarette smoke and air pollution. However, nearly all people who have asthma are affected at some level during exercise and physical activity. For example, running can trigger an episode in more than 80% of children with asthma. Bronchodilator medications used before exercise can prevent most of these episodes. With proper control of asthma, most children with asthma can participate fully in physical activities.   

Each asthmatic child is unique and has a certain set of asthma triggers. As a result, there may be exceptions, such as prolonged running, especially during cold weather, allergy season or illness from a “cold.” Swimming seems to be the least asthma-inducing form of exercise, although there is concern about high chlorine levels in pools precipitating asthma episodes. It is important to remember that people with asthma can participate in the same activities as those without asthma. Although exercise-induced asthma may influence their physical performance, there are many steps that athletes and coaches can take to prevent symptoms from occurring during exercise or competition. It is vital that coaches and athletes have a plan to manage asthma on the playing field. In this way, serious health problems can be avoided.   

The American Lung Association of California’s Exercise and Asthma Program is available to all, though it is designed specifically for physical education teachers and coaches. For parents of asthmatic children, it is important to address the following issues with teachers or coaches working closely with your child: 1) the physiology of asthma – what happens when symptoms occur, how to recognize an asthma attack and helping athletes administer their medication, 2) understanding asthma triggers on the playing field – knowing that the environment plays a role in health, 3) identifying specific sports that may cause trouble for people with asthma, 4) creating and using individual plans for children and teens with asthma, and 5) preventing asthma symptoms from occurring by utilizing a variety of warm-up and cool-down exercises.   

For more information on exercise-induced asthma, please contact the American Lung Association at 800.LUNG.USA or your local office at 714.835.5864.   

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