Written By: Muskan Gupta | Published : May 6, 2026 9:06 AM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr. Stephanie D’Souza
Asthma in children (Image AI Generated)
Asthma ranks among the top respiratory disorders among the child population all around the world. Most parents worry that because of their child's asthmatic condition, he or she won't be able to engage in any sort of physical activity at all. Questions asked to medical experts on this issue commonly revolve around the possibility of the affected kids leading an active lifestyle.
In an exclusive conversation with TheHealthSite.com, Dr Stephanie Rachel D'Souza, Consultant - Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Sarjapur, said, "Some of the features of asthma include air passage inflammation, causing the passage to be sensitive and thus causing conditions such as wheezing, breathing difficulties, tightness of the chest, and coughing. About children, one of the causes of asthmatic attacks may be the involvement of exercise if the environmental temperature is either cold or dry. It should however, not be misunderstood that the children should not indulge in physical exercises since physical exercises are very important."
"The best thing to do in such a situation is therefore to manage the disease in such a way that the asthmatic patient will be able to participate in any form of physical activity. Proper disease control starts with accurate diagnosis as well as proper treatment. The use of controller drugs like inhaled corticosteroids will help keep inflammation under check, while bronchodilators can be employed for the management of symptoms," the doctor added.
The other vital element that is essential in the course of the treatment will be an asthma management program including information concerning daily medications, triggers, and symptoms to look out for. In some cases, taking a relief inhaler before exercise will prove helpful.
Another critical factor that must be considered alongside triggering the asthma attack is the establishment of a suitable environment for the child. Therefore, there is a need for the parents, teachers, and coaches to be informed regarding any health challenges facing the child as well as the effects the child experiences when he or she suffers an asthma attack. This is due to the fact that the symptoms should be recognised too.
Although it may not seem like an ideal scenario that the children participate in physical exercises like swimming, jogging, and cycling owing to their health problem, this does not mean that asthmatic children cannot join the sport they love. The motivation of these children to exercise needs to be addressed, failure to which can have serious repercussions on their health as well as psychologically. It is also equally important as their treatment for asthma.
The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.
Pollen, mould, viral infections (like flu), and air pollution are major triggers that can worsen respiratory symptoms in children.
Children have smaller, developing airways, making them more sensitive to cold air, allergens, and infections, which can trigger breathing issues like asthma.
