Asthma flare-ups with exercise
Exercise is one of the factors that can lead to the manifestation of asthmatic symptoms, alone, or in combination with others (e.g. allergy, cold, humidity).
Symptoms related to exercise can appear a few minutes after starting or several minutes after stopping it.
They are usually easily recognized since, usually, they are already known to the child or his parents. They can be coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness / pain in the chest, easy fatigue, reduced athletic performance.
Preventive measures
For a child who has a history of asthmatic symptoms during exercise, it is recommended to:
- Warm up at least 10 minutes before more intense exercise.
- Avoid intense exercise during infections.
- Avoid exercising in open spaces during hours with a high level of allergens (e.g. pollen in spring), air pollutants or high humidity.
- Train to breathe through the nose so that the inhaled air has the opportunity to warm up before going down to the bronchi.
- Cover the nose and mouth on very cold days during exercise.
At school
In case there is such a history, inform the trainer, the teacher, the teacher, as well as the possibility that the child will need to use inhaled medication.
Treatment
- The relief treatment is based on specific bronchodilators: the fast-acting β2 -agonists [salbutamol, 100 mg per spray].
It is a good idea to always have them with you in case you need them.
To prevent the onset of symptoms, it is recommended to take the following alternatives:
-
- 2 sprays of salbutamol 10-15 minutes before exercise, with protection for up to 4 hours.
- leukotriene antagonists (montelukast) with protection for up to 24 hours.
- long-acting β2-agonists (salmeterol, formoterol), 30 minutes before, up to 12 hours.
If asthma symptoms occur during exercise, the child should:
- Stop exercising immediately and take 4 sprays of salbutamol. If there is no clear improvement within the next 5-10 minutes, another 4 sprays may be needed.
- He can continue exercising – after warming up – only if he can breathe comfortably.
It is not recommended to avoid exercise due to asthma. On the contrary, physical activity is desirable. Many athletes, even Olympic champions, have had asthma!
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