Millions of children are impacted by asthma on a daily basis. This can make daily life difficult, especially if they are physically active in sports. Sports are one of the most important activities children can participate in. It teaches discipline and teamwork. Sports also build confidence and improve cardiovascular health. These lessons and benefits are important well into adulthood. Children with asthma may face challenges with physical activity. However, you can still play sports and remain physically active even with asthma. Below are the most common asthma triggers in sports: what parents need to watch out for.
Asthma Triggers in Sports: What Parents Need to Watch For
Exercise is one of the most common asthma triggers in children. Many sports activities are filled with triggers that can impact your child’s airways. However, there are ways to manage asthma while playing sports. Kids’ sports and asthma treatment can make your child’s life so much easier. Below are some of the common triggers to look out for.
Cold and Dry Air
Several outdoor sports take place in the fall and winter. These are the seasons when temperatures drop, and humidity levels fall. Cold, dry air is one of the most common asthma triggers. Sports often make your child breathe hard due to the physical activity. This inevitably pulls large amounts of air through their airways very quickly.
In non-exercise situations, the nose warms and humidifies the air before it reaches the lungs. Intense exercise often results in mouth breathing. This means that the air does not even go through the nose. When this occurs, the cold, dry air cannot be mitigated before it reaches the lungs. When cold and dry air hits the lungs, it can cause them to tighten and spasm. This can trigger an asthma attack and related symptoms. To combat the impact on your child’s lungs, work with a skilled asthma specialist.
Outdoor Allergens
Spring and fall sports occur during peak pollen periods. Grass, trees, and pollen are common asthma triggers. This is especially true for children with allergic asthma. Running through a field of grass with asthma can have a compound effect on children with asthma. They are running, which causes increased breathing. Additionally, they are breathing in twice as many allergens while physically exerting themselves. This can have a profound effect on your child’s asthma.
To reduce the impact, check daily pollen counts. This is important before practice or games, so you are aware of the impact. Your child may need to make certain modifications to reduce the risk of an asthma attack. The best course of action is to work with an asthma doctor for all ages. They can provide management techniques during peak allergen season. This can significantly reduce the risk of a sports-related flare-up.
Poor Air Quality
Many children play sports outside, which exposes them to pollution. Busy roads, industrial areas, or cities often have poor air quality. This adds a layer of risk for children with asthma who play outdoor sports. Fine particles in polluted air are well-known triggers for asthma in children. These irritants can negatively impact the airways. This is even more pronounced in children with asthma who exercise outdoors.
It is essential to check the air quality before your child plays sports outside. Monitoring the air quality index can prevent an asthma attack. It can also reduce the risk of damage to your child’s airways. If you live in an area with consistently poor air quality, consult with an asthma specialist. They can provide you with treatment options to reduce the risk of damage caused by poor air quality.
Asthma Treatment Options
Managing asthma in children is critically important for their long-term health. This is especially important for children who are physically active and play sports. A comprehensive treatment plan is necessary to support their daily activities. Treatment varies from patient to patient. However, it generally includes a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. Below are some of the common treatment options.
Medication-Based Treatments
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective long-term medication for children with persistent asthma. When taken daily, they reduce airway inflammation. Research has shown that the vast majority of children with asthma benefit from this medication.
Rescue Inhalers
Rescue inhalers operate quickly to relax the muscles that tighten the airways. These are used during flare-ups for immediate relief. Experts recommend using the medication 15 minutes before physical activity as a preventative measure. This is beneficial for children who are triggered by physical activity. Be sure to let your child’s asthma doctor know how often and when they use their rescue inhaler. Using it more than twice a week may require treatment modification.
Biologics
For children with severe asthma, biologic therapies are beneficial. It is also beneficial for children who do not respond to standard medications. This is because biologics offer a more targeted approach. They are an advanced treatment option that operates at the level of the immune system. The medication interrupts the inflammatory process that causes asthma symptoms in the first place.
Lifestyle Modifications
Inform Coaches and Staff
One of the most important things you can do for your child is inform their coaches and staff about their condition. Having a trusted adult monitor and care for your child is key. They should understand what to look out for and the medication your child may need. This can prevent flare-ups and effectively manage your child’s health during physical activity.
Building an Asthma Action Plan
The most important step in your child’s asthma management is building an asthma action plan. This should document your child’s daily medications, symptoms, and emergency procedures. A skilled asthma specialist can help you understand the steps to an effective action plan. Consistently maintaining the plan and modifying it as necessary is essential for your child’s health.
Leading Asthma Doctor
Asthma has profound effects on your health and daily life. If you need treatment, contact Dr. Shukla at the Asthma & Sleep Institute today to schedule your consultation!
