For some people, exercise can trigger an asthma attack. In fact, exercise causes symptoms in 80 percent of asthmatics, according to National Jewish Health. If you are a child in school with exercise-induced asthma, gym class may be troublesome. There are ways to manage the disease with the help of the teacher and school system. Your doctor can give you advice on the most effective system to deal with asthma and exercise in gym class.
Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Asthma
If your child has asthma, it is critical to let the school administrators know the problem. A meeting with the gym teacher will give you an opportunity to alert her to signs of an asthma attack. Things to look for include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. When your child is participating in a game, the teacher should watch for signs of distress and chest pain. The child may stop and bend over or grab her chest. Ask the educator to keep an eye out for fatigue and excess sweating. A teacher who is not informed may assume your child is in poor condition instead of recognizing an asthma attack.
Preventative Steps
A gym teacher should be aware of any medication a child carries in case of asthma difficulties, such as a rescue inhaler. Ask the administration the procedures for use of the necessary medication and make sure your child and the teacher know how to use the inhaler. The gym temperature should be warm and, if possible, humidified. If the air is dry, have the child carry a face mask or piece of cloth. The teacher can wet the fabric and the child can breathe through it to help relieve dryness. Any exercise should begin with a short warmup activity.
What to Do During an Attack
Having an asthmatic child in a gym class means the teacher needs some additional education on dealing with exercise-induced asthma and specifically what to do in the event of an attack. When a child appears in distress, the teacher should immediately stop the activity and move the other child away. Talking calmly to the student in distress may help control the situation. Panic will only exasperate the symptoms. The teacher or school nurse should administer any medication approved for the child. Have another student or teacher get a glass or bottle of water. If breathing does not improve within 10 to 15 minutes, call for an ambulance. If in doubt, get help. Asthma attacks can become life-threatening quickly.
Considerations
Asthmatic children are able to be active in a gym class even if exercise can trigger an attack. The key is proper management of the situation. Some activities are more likely to be a problem. This would include any game that requires a lot of running, such as soccer or basketball. Let the student tell you what activities tend to make him feel worse. Above all, stay informed and calm. As a parent of an asthmatic child, you should work with the school administration to set up a system that allows for safe participation. Gyms class and physical fitness is as essential for your asthmatic child as it is for any student. Your child's doctor can give you advice on how to handle exercise triggers and what limitations there may be in gym class.
