Should children with asthma engage in any form of vigorous physical activity? The answer is an emphatic “no”. Should children be deprived of all physical activities? The answer is an even more emphatic “no”.

Any form of vigorous physical activity, like competitive cycling, long-distance running, soccer, basketball, skiing and ice hockey, worsens asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The risk of an asthma attack increases with the duration and intensity of the exercise. As a result, parents of children with exercise-induced asthma, i.e. the asthma where symptoms worsen during exercise, are often advised to not let their children participate in any form of vigorous physical exercise.

However, the advice leads to the belief that all exercises are dangerous for children with asthma. Nothing can be further from the truth. Regular participation in mild intensity sport and exercise, such as swimming, baseball, gymnastics, biking, walking and football, is very beneficial to children with asthma. It strengthens the muscles around the lungs. This makes the “bronchioles” of the lungs work better. Thus any moderate form of physical activity can alleviate asthma symptoms. On the other hand, total absence of physical activity can lead to unhealthy conditions such as obesity, physical weakness, sleep deprivation and illness.