Community Pediatric Asthma Service
Asthma, Exercise & Sports
An active lifestyle is important for everyone, especially for someone with asthma. When you exercise, know what well-controlled asthma looks like for you.
Remember, even professional athletes
and Olympic athletes have asthma.
I have to stop sports and exercise because I have asthma.
- FALSE! You should not stop sports and exercise because you have asthma. Exercise is good for everyone
- Did you know that up to 40% of Olympic athletes have asthma?
- When your asthma is in good control, there are no limits to sports and exercise
- You may need to take your reliever inhaler before some activities. Follow your Asthma Action Plan for advice on what to do when exercising or doing sports
Asthma, Exercise and Sports, No Excuses!
For some people, physical activity is a trigger for their asthma so it is important to learn how to manage your asthma symptoms while still being active. You may want to consider: the type of sport or activity and how it affects you; adding in a good warm-up and cool-down routine; being aware of the weather and knowing that sometimes you may need your reliever medicine.
Being active is important
Playing, running, swimming, skating, kicking a ball or just ‘hanging out' with friends is not only an important part of childhood, it is important for good, overall health.
Physical activity should be fun!
Children with asthma are more likely to be active if they enjoy the activity.
Asthma is no excuse!
Improved fitness levels are linked to lowering the severity of asthma symptoms. With few exceptions, children with well-controlled asthma can do all the things their friends do.
Make fitness a family activity
Good health and fitness habits developed in childhood are associated with physical fitness as an adult. You can easily make physical activity a family event whether it is biking, shooting hoops or just going for a walk.
Resources for Coaches
Coaches play an important role in the care of our child's health. With the goal of keeping coaches informed about asthma, here are some helpful links:
- Asthma Tips for Teachers, Coaches and Parents
- Vaping, Smoking and More
- Get Smart About Tobacco: Created by teachers to initiate discussion, with worksheets and handouts for Grade 3-6 children, (Montana Teaching Association)
Walk | Run | Play | Breathe
Material on this website has been designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment.
If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.