Asthma is a common condition in children, and many parents worry about whether it's safe for their child to participate in sports. The good news is that, with proper management, kids with asthma can fully engage in most sports and activities. 

In fact, regular exercise can benefit children with asthma by improving their overall fitness and strengthening their respiratory muscles.

Which sports are best for children with asthma?

Certain sports are particularly well-suited for kids with asthma because they involve shorter bursts of activity or take place in environments that are less likely to trigger asthma symptoms. These sports include:

• Swimming, which is often performed in warm, humid environments, making it easier on the airways
• Baseball, which involves short sprints rather than prolonged running
• Leisurely biking, allowing for controlled breathing
• Football, where breaks between plays give time for recovery
• Free downhill skiing, which involves short, intense bursts of activity
• Golfing, offering a low-intensity, steady pace
• Gymnastics, which includes short routines with plenty of rest time
• Hiking, which can be done at a comfortable pace
• Short-distance track and field, involving quick sprints rather than long runs
• Surfing, where the time on the board is interspersed with rest periods
• Walking, which is a gentle way to stay active
• Wrestling, where matches are short and intense

These sports allow kids with asthma to stay active and build strength without putting too much strain on their respiratory system.

What sports can you not play with asthma?

While kids with asthma can participate in most sports, some activities are more likely to trigger asthma symptoms, particularly those that involve long periods of exertion or are performed in cold, dry air. These sports can be more challenging for children with exercise-induced asthma:

• Soccer
• Cross-country skiing
• Basketball
• Long-distance running
• Ice hockey

These sports require continuous activity, which can lead to difficulty in maintaining controlled breathing, potentially triggering asthma symptoms.

What are the best activities for kids with asthma?

In addition to the sports listed above, certain activities are particularly beneficial for kids with asthma. These activities are generally low to moderate in intensity and can be adjusted to the child’s comfort level:

• Swimming, due to the warm, humid environment that helps ease breathing
• Yoga, which focuses on controlled breathing and relaxation
• Walking, which can be done at a gentle pace
• Cycling at a leisurely pace, allowing for easy breath control
• Strength training, which can be adapted to the child's level and includes rest between sets

These activities not only help maintain fitness but also contribute to better asthma management by strengthening the respiratory muscles and improving overall lung function.

What activities make asthma worse?

Certain activities are more likely to exacerbate asthma symptoms, particularly those that involve high-intensity exertion or exposure to cold, dry air. Activities that may worsen asthma include:

• Long-distance running, which involves continuous exertion without breaks
• Ice hockey, due to the cold, dry air in ice rinks
• Cross-country skiing, which combines cold air and sustained physical effort
• Soccer, with its continuous running and quick changes in direction
• Basketball, which demands constant movement and quick bursts of energy

These activities can increase the risk of asthma symptoms, especially if the child’s asthma is not well-controlled.

Should children with asthma avoid exercise?

Absolutely not. Children with asthma should not avoid exercise; rather, they should engage in it with proper precautions. Exercise is crucial for all children, including those with asthma, as it improves overall health, strengthens respiratory muscles, and boosts lung function. The key is to manage asthma effectively through:

• Pre-exercise medication, such as albuterol or bronchodilators, as recommended by a doctor
• Breathing through the nose rather than the mouth to warm and humidify the air
• Carrying relief medications during activities in case of an asthma attack
• Wearing a scarf over the mouth and nose in cold weather to warm the air before it enters the airways

With these measures, children with asthma can enjoy a full range of physical activities and sports, contributing to their overall well-being and helping them lead active, healthy lives.

Final thoughts on kids with asthma

Please note that any advice shared here is general in nature, and we recommend checking in with a professional in regard to your child’s needs.

For more tips and tricks on topics like this deep dive into raising healthy and strong kids. Feel free to contact us or read our Dewey Does blog. Don’t forget, if your whole family wants to look amazing while you’re out there living your best life, we make a whole range of inspiring novelty tees that can add a touch of fun and color. Speaking of fun and color, be sure to check out our super cool interactive logo!

While you’re here, we’d really love to hear what you have to say. What are your tips or tricks related to raising kids with asthma? Drop us your two cents below.

Hi, Team Does. I get all my sports news and updates from my friend Tommy Ommy, host of Straight from the Basement Sports Podcast. Be sure to follow him wherever you get your podcasts, and check out his YouTube channel for sports news and conversations - Dewey.

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