Asthma Doesn’t Mean Sitting on the Sidelines

When your child has asthma or other lung conditions, it can be tempting to keep them away from swimming and other sports, thinking you are sparing them from triggering symptoms. In fact, we know that participating in swimming and group activities is extremely important for maintaining happy and healthy lungs.

In Good Company

Many elite athletes and Olympians, from David Beckham to swimmer Amy Van Dyken, have spoken out about living with asthma. They have learnt to manage the condition with specialist medicines and plans. And your child can too, with the right help.

It is often poor asthma control that limits activities. Signs of asthma might include either wheezing (a musical breathing out noise), difficulty breathing, weird feelings in the chest, or just being able to do less sport than their friends before getting puffed out.

Asthma presents differently in every child, so if any of these symptoms are present, it’s best to see your GP or specialist to explore whether asthma could be contributing.

Plan Ahead

If your child has already been diagnosed with asthma, these symptoms may be a sign that their management plan needs a review. A little planning can go a long way in helping children stay active and confident. We asked Dr David Hancock, a paediatric respiratory physician, to share some tips:

• Always bring your asthma reliever (usually blue puffer Ventolin) and your spacer to your sport event in case you need it.
• Let your team/coach/club know that your child has asthma and bring a copy of their asthma action plan.
• Be aware that asthma is often worse during colds and flus, so it is best to be extra careful with sport when sick.
• Some kids find that their asthma is better controlled during sport if they take their reliever before sport. Raise this suggestion with your GP or specialist.

With the right support and management plan, asthma doesn’t need to limit participation or confidence.

Dr David Hancock is now taking bookings at Kinkaya with no waitlist. If you have a referral already you can send it to referrals@kinkaya.com.au or call 0489 078 000. Need a referral? Book in with one of our GP’s.