The wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest brought on by exercise is referred to as exercise induced asthma (EIA). The symptoms may manifest themselves between five and 10 minutes after your child begins exercising and be at their worst five to 10 minutes after your child stops the exercise activity. Some children, however, do not show any symptoms during exercise, being affected only afterward. EIA symptoms can take an hour or more to subside after your child has ceased exercising. Treatment methods include medication, exercise precautions and aerobic conditioning.
Short-Acting Medications
For those children who experience asthma symptoms only when exercising, it may be possible to treat the symptoms on an "as needed" basis rather than provide continuous therapy. A number of medications have been shown to prevent EIA symptoms if given before exercise.
Cromolyn sodium is effective in 70 to 87 percent of EIA sufferers, while the more commonly known short-acting beta-agonists, such as albuterol, work for 80 to 95 percent of those with mild EIA. Beta-agonists are medications that relax the muscles surrounding airways, which opens constricted airways and allow your child to breathe easier. The disadvantage to these medications is the possibility that children may not have access to the medication before exercise or may be unwilling to medicate in the presence of peers.
Long-Acting Medications
To accommodate the spontaneity of many children's activities, "Pediatrics," a journal published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends using a long acting bronchodilator such as salmeterol before your child leaves home. A dosage of 50 mcg of salmeterol may keep your child free of EIA symptoms for nine hours. Consult with your doctor about this medication.
Precautionary Measures
There are some precautionary measures that can help your child deal with EIA. Warming up before exercising can keep his chest from becoming tight, so encourage your child to engage in five to 10 minutes of warm-up exercises before attempting more vigorous activity. The temperature of the air in his lungs may change when he stops exercising, and a cool-down period can slow the rate of temperature change, lessening the likelihood of after-exercise symptoms developing.
Breathing through the nose and taking rest periods if needed can also help your child avoid or manage EIA symptoms. Increasing your child's fitness level through aerobic training can give better respiratory control and may also reduce the incidence of EIA symptoms.
Exercises
Some exercises are less likely to produce symptoms in children who are prone to EIA. These include walking, hiking, jogging, gymnastics, golf, baseball and football. Participation in endurance sports such as distance running and biking, or high-energy activities like soccer and basketball requires more focused attention to medication and training to help reduce and manage symptoms, the KidsHealth.org website says.
