The Spanish Society of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Pediatric Asthma (SEICAP) recommends that children with asthma practice sports. Apparently, some asthmatic children stop playing sports because they are afraid of having asthma attacks. Although, according to this Society, abandonment reduces respiratory capacity and is not justified if the child follows the recommendations of his pediatric allergist.
Most recommended sports for asthmatic children
Dr. Sergio Quevedo, secretary of SEICAP, recommends certain exercises that are best for children and adolescents with asthma: tennis, volleyball, gymnastics, karate, wrestling, fast running or swimming, among others, since they alternate moments of effort with moments of rest, compared to those that involve exposure to cold, dry air and sustained effort, which are not recommended.
Such activities not only allow them to have a good physical condition and a suitable weight, but also favor the improvement of their respiratory system by exercising the respiratory muscles, which is positive for their disease.
What is asthma?
According to the Medlineplus website, we are talking about a chronic disease that causes the airways in the lungs to swell and narrow. This causes shortness of breath such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
What are the main symptoms of this disease
They vary by person. The Mayo Clinic states that you can have asthma attacks infrequently, symptoms only at certain times, such as when you exercise, or symptoms all the time.
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness
Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children
Sleep problems caused by shortness of breath, cough or wheezing
Cough or wheezing that is made worse by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or flu
Signs of worsening asthma
Asthma symptoms that are most frequent and bothersome
Creating difficulty shortness of breath, measured with a device used to check lung function (expiratory flow meter)
Need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often
For some people, the signs and symptoms of asthma are accentuated in certain situations:
Exercise-induced asthma, which can be made worse by cold, dry air
Occupational asthma, triggered by irritants in the workplace, such as chemical vapours, gases or dust
Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances such as pollen, mold spores , cockroach residue, or dried saliva and fur particles shed by pets (pet dander)
