The Best Sports For Children With Asthma
Children with asthma do not have to stay away from sports. In fact, exercising and playing sports can help children with asthma stay fit. In addition, exercising allows them to strengthen their respiratory muscles. This will help the lungs work better.
However, some sports are better than others for children with asthma. We talk about it in the following lines.
What are the best sports for children with asthma?
Some sports are more challenging than others for children with asthma. For example, cycling, golfing, or archery is more difficult to cause asthma flare-ups in children. However, there are others that may be more challenging in this regard; This is the case of football, basketball, athletics or hockey .
In general, all sports that require a lot of energy and little rest time are a major challenge for little asthmatics. However, that does not mean that children with asthma cannot play these sports. With proper training and proper medication, these guys can play these sports too.
Experts often advise children with asthma to play sports such as yoga, martial arts, baseball, fencing, volleyball, and golf. Swimming is also often recommended for these little ones, however it should be approached with caution and carefully monitored in the case of asthmatic children due to exposure to chlorine.
Triggers of asthma attacks during sports
An important question that children should be clear about is what are the causes that trigger an asthma attack during sports practice. Parents play an important role here, not only when it comes to identifying these causes, but also so that the little one does not lose self-confidence.
Keep in mind that, as Daniel Hughes points out, exercise is probably the second most common asthma trigger. Among other things, knowing the causes that trigger an asthma attack will help you take precautions. Also to stop in time so that the asthma attack is not so bad.
For example, sports played in cold environments can be difficult for children with asthma, as the lungs are exhausted earlier in these conditions. Nor should we lose sight of vigorous sports, as well as those that they do for a long time and with little rest. These sports are also often more difficult for asthmatic children to endure.
When physical activity causes symptoms in a child with asthma, coughing and dyspnea are the most common complaints, and chest tightness comes second. Wheezing is mentioned less frequently.
In any case, the physical condition of the asthmatic child is an important factor that must be taken into account when evaluating their participation in sports, especially if there is a problem of overweight and obesity. This does not mean that an asthmatic child who is not fit should not play sports; On the contrary, you should do it, but gradually, so that you can get in shape little by little and that asthma attacks do not make you lose interest in physical activity.
How to approach sports practice for children with asthma?
The treatment of asthmatic children who play sports should be tailored to their specific needs. In fact, it is very important to discuss this issue with the specialist doctor.
In general, children with asthma are recommended to use an inhaler 13 to 30 minutes before exercising. In addition, they should spend more time than usual to warm up, to make a more gradual warm-up. This will help the little one breathe better throughout the physical exercise.
In addition, the asthmatic child always has to have his inhaler at hand during sports practice. This will allow you to use it at the time you feel like you are having an asthma attack. If the little one cannot carry the inhaler, it should be close and accessible. In addition, both the coach and the teammates must be able to access it to facilitate it in case of need.
