Swimming Programs


FAQ's


1. How do I know my child’s asthma is controlled?
Asthma is considered controlled when your child is able to play and participate in activities without any symptoms during the activity. They may have symptoms following the activity. If so, they most likely have exercise induced asthma. There are a variety of ways to prevent exercise induced asthma, including taking rescue inhalers prior to activities. If they have persistent symptoms during activity, please see your provider who can make changes to control the asthma.

2. What are rescue medicines and when should my child take it?
Rescue medicines are those that work to open up airways in a timely manner. They should be available nearby at all times, especially during athletic activities. For exercise induced asthma (see above) some children will take their rescue medication 10 minutes prior to the activity. By doing so, they should be protected for about 2 hours.

3. When my child’s asthma is controlled, how active can he/she be?
90% of children diagnosed with asthma, when controlled can perform as well as any other athlete in any activities. It is important to work closely with your provider and follow the diamond concept.
 

4. Are there certain sports that are more likely to cause asthma attacks?
Children diagnosed with asthma should not be limited in their activities. Though there are certain sporting events that are more likely to cause asthma flares. For this reason, it is important to be vigilant when participating. Usually, cold air and activities with little rest periods are the most likely to activate asthma. The activities are listed below:
  Team sports that require quick bursts of energy are also asthma-friendly, according to the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI):
    • baseball
• rugby
• wrestling
• golf
• gymnastics
• short-distance track and field events
  Sports requiring continuous activity or are cold weather sports are likely to trigger asthma:
    • Soccer
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Long-distance running
     
5. Why is swimming an ideal sport for those with asthma?
There are a variety of reasons why swimming is an ideal sport for those with asthma. These include:
 
  1. Rhythmic Breathing. Note that patients who take up swimming tend not to hyperventilate, though learn about controlled breathing.
  2. Breathing Humid Air free of allergens. Usually just above the water line, the air is humid and free of allergens, for this reason there is less of a chance for an asthma flare during swimming.
6. What are key points to remember regarding those diagnosed with asthma participating in activities?
Key points include:
 
  1. Knowing the child's triggers (ie pollen,etc. that can lead to an asthma flare. Asthmatics can share triggers though each trigger profile is different for every asthmatic.
  2. Bring Rescue Medication to all fitness activities (albuterol, proventil,etc.)
  3. Treat Asthma Proactively: know what triggers may exist and try to avoid or prepare. Those who are allergic to tree/grass pollen and are set to play soccer in a field should make sure to take an antihistamine prior to the event.
  4. Keep Hydrated: Always have water around. Dehydration may increase likelyhood of Asthma Flares.
  5. Remember to warm up: There is a less chance of asthma attacks if physical activities are preceeded by warming up. This may include stretches and small bursts of activities followed by rest.
     
7. What are the types of medications available for asthma?
Medications for asthma are divided into 2 groups.
 
  1. Rescue Medications. These medications are mainly used on an as needed basis. They act by opening up the airway. They do not have any effect on inflammation. For this reason, they are also call Rescue Medications. Such medications are called short acting beta agonists.
  2. Controller Medications: These medications are taking on a daily basis to control the inflammation within the lungs. If there is no inflammation in the lungs, asthma attacks are less likely. It is important to take these medications daily. Only your provider should adjust the doses. (they base adjustment on how well your asthma is controlled). These medications include steroid inhalers, along with long acting beta agonists and leukotriene antagonists.
  3. Name some examples of Rescue medications (beta agonists) Such medications include though are not limited to Albuterol, Proventil, Xopenex etc.
 
 
8. Name some examples of Controller medications
Steroid Inhalers include: Flovent, Asmanex
Long Acting Beta Agonists include: Serevent, Formoterol
Leukotriene Antagonists include: Singulair
There is also a medication that works by lowering the amount of allergy Antibody (IgE). This medication is called Xolair.

9. What are symptoms of asthma?
Patients diagnosed with asthma can present with a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom is Wheezing. Though other symptoms may include: coughing spells, chest tightness and chest pain. Some patients during an asthma attack may feel as though they are breathing through a small straw.

Patients diagnosed with asthma have different severities. There are those with more mild symptoms (usually only requiring a few puffs of albuterol weekly). Though asthma may be more moderate or severe. The severity of asthma will determine the amount of medications you will need for full asthma control.

10. What are asthma triggers?
Asthma triggers can cause asthma attacks. They range from allergens in the environment (trees/grasses/weeds), to irritants (tobacco smoke, pollution) to illnesses (viral or bacterial infection) to cold weather. Certain triggers are common to all patients (viral/bacterial infections, irritants listed above). Other triggers vary among patients (allergens). Those who are diagnosed with more persistent asthma should be referred to an allergist to undergo skin testing. Skin testing can determine which allergens the patient is allergic too.