While asthma may make playing sports more difficult, it certainly doesn't have to rule out sports altogether. Simply follow these five guidelines and your children will have a
great time playing, without you worrying about their safety.
1. Choose the Right Sport
Some sports pose more of a danger than others. Sports such as ice skating, ice hockey, soccer and running pose the most risk due to the cold weather and the periods of intense activity with little break. Sports such as swimming, bowling and golf generally pose less risk.
2. Inform Your Child's Coach
Once your child is signed up, but before he or she goes out to play, have a friendly discussion with the coach. Let the coach know what warning signs to watch out for, and that while your child can play, he or she does have a legitimate complaint if pushed too far.
3. Teach Your Child the Warning Signs to Watch Out For
While the coach should keep an eye on your child, your child needs to be able to spot the warning signs of an asthma attack first. Common symptoms your child should know to watch out for include coughing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, decreased performance, and difficulty breathing.
4. Make Sure Your Child Always Has an Inhaler on Hand
An inhaler is typically the best defense against a sudden asthma attack, and your child won't want to be caught without one.
5. Watch the Weather Forecast
If your child plays an outdoor sport, you may want to watch the weather forecast to be aware of certain trigger days. Both cold weather and allergies can be triggers, and you may need to keep your child home on the worst days.
With the proper precautions and knowledge, there is no reason your child can't be part of the team! Simply follow these five safety procedures so your child can have fun without worry.