Community Pediatric Asthma Service
Asthma, Exercise & Sports
An active, healthy lifestyle is important for everyone,
especially for someone with asthma.
The key to exercising is to know what well-controlled asthma is for you, how to avoid your triggers and taking your medicine when needed.
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; be aware of the weather and know that sometimes you may also need medicine.
Asthma, Exercise and Sports, No Excuses!
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 actually associated with decreased severity of asthma symptoms. With few exceptions, children with well-controlled asthma can do all the things their friends do. Remember, even professional athletes and Olympic athletes have asthma. Asthma should not stop you from doing what YOU want to 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 out 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
- Be Winter Ready: Tips for managing asthma in the winter, Asthma Canada; Cold Air and Asthma, Lung Association
- Smoking, Vaping and More
- Get Smart About Tobacco: Created by teachers to initiate discussion, containing worksheets and handouts for Grade 3-6 children, Montana Teaching Association
- Researchers are developing a pocket guide for soccer coaches to help coaches prevent and treat asthma attacks
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.