If you have an aspiring young athlete in your home, it can be so fun to encourage his or her love of sports. But what if that child also just recently received an asthma diagnosis?

While regular exercise is still encouraged in children who have asthma, it can be scary to watch your little one walk onto the field worrying when the next attack is coming.

Finding a healthy balance between a love of sports and managing asthma is key to building confidence in your children. Our crew at AFC Urgent Care Statesville is here to break down all things asthma and sports below!

Are Sports Safe for Kids With Asthma?

It is natural to feel hesitant when your child has asthma. It is our job as parents to protect them, after all! However, it is encouraged to let your child participate in regular physical activity. Over time, it can actually help support better lung capacity and reduce the severity of symptoms during an attack.

If you are still new to an asthma diagnosis, try encouraging your child to participate in some of the asthma-friendly sports below to start with.

Asthma-Friendly Sports

• Golf
• Baseball/softball
• Biking
• Short-distance track and field events

Can My Child Play Soccer With Asthma?

The concern with endurance sports like soccer or cross country is the minimal to zero rest time that they offer. The key to managing asthma is to give yourself adequate rest time and to know your limit. Endurance sports are not completely out of the question, it just takes some extra time and planning.

As long as your child is comfortable asking the coach for a break and resting when needed, you can encourage participation in whatever sports excite him or her! Building confidence in your children’s asthma diagnosis helps create a more confident athlete all around.

Tips to Reduce Asthma Symptoms

• Keep an inhaler in his or her bag at all times.
• Have a consistent and thorough warmup routine.
• Cool down every time.
• Respect any high pollen count days and avoid activity.

We are looking forward to caring for your entire family at AFC Urgent Care Statesville!