Exercise is a common trigger for asthma symptoms. But children with asthma can participate in gym and sports activities at school. To do so, however, it is important to discuss the level of activity with your child's physician and have a written plan for preventing problems. For some children, it is a good idea to use an inhaler before activity to prevent difficulties. It is also important to have a plan for what to do if your child has a problem after activity. Don't hesitate to call or send a note to the physical education teacher.

The following suggestions may help your child participate:

Make sure your child has a pretreatment, such as albuterol, for gym class or other physical activities, especially outdoors in cold weather.

During warm weather, when pollen is still in the air, outdoor exercise can exacerbate both asthma and allergies. Pretreatment with antihistamines and intranasal steroids can greatly reduce those symptoms.

Sports or activities with bursts of movement are least likely to cause asthma symptoms. Activities followed by brief rest periods can allow the child to regain control of breathing. Activities such as baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, downhill skiing, golf, and some track and field events all have brief rest periods.

Sports that require continuous activity, like swimming, cycling, distance running, and soccer, also can be enjoyed by people with exercise-induced asthma. Participation in any sport often requires use of a treatment before exercise and close monitoring. Along with appropriate treatment and close monitoring, good warm-up and cool-down periods are often helpful.