Children with Asthma Can Run Track If Symptoms Properly Managed

With a plan for managing symptoms, kids who have asthma can fully participate in track & field. In fact, there is a growing body of anecdotal evidence that participation in activities like track, rather than being harmful, is actually beneficial.

According to Dr. Mark Scarupa of the Institute for Allergy and Asthma in Chevy Chase, Maryland, track, and other aerobic activities, improves cardio-pulmonary fitness which is extremely desirable for asthmatics. "Furthermore," he adds, "there is a direct link to obesity and worsening asthma." So track and other activities that help a child stay fit and maintain a healthy weight should be encouraged.

Here are the essentials for successfully managing asthma and track & field competitions.

1. Get a doctor's consent: A child with asthma should absolutely, positively get a doctor's advice and consent before proceeding to train or compete in track and field. Dr. Scarupa recommends a pre-participation evaluation, including pulmonary function testing.

A doctor will:

• Determine whether the child is healthy enough to take part;

• Explain how to monitor the child to ensure that she is tolerating the training and competitions well;

• Help the parent to know when the child needs to take a break or adjust medication to manage symptoms;

• Collaborate on an action plan to manage the asthma (i.e. when and how to administer medication in case of an emergency); and

• Establish regular follow-up visits to make sure that the asthma continues to be under control.

2. Start on your own program. "I frequently suggest that patients begin jogging or running on their own prior to enrolling in a sport so that they can get a sense of their asthma control and/or limitations," says Dr. Scarupa.