Thomas’ Story: Exercise-Induced Asthma

Ways to Help Your Family Deal with Asthma and Its Triggers

Ways to Avoid Exercise-Induced Asthma and Still Stay Active

• Try: Swimming, walking, leisure biking, hiking, football, wrestling, golfing, gymnastics, short-term track and field events, surfing , or free downhill skiing.
• Avoid: soccer, basketball, field hockey, long-distance running, cross-country skiing, and ice hockey,
• Warm up before exercise to prevent chest tightening. (Warm-up exercises can include 5 to 10 minutes of walking or any other light activity, in addition to stretching or flexibility exercises.)
• Take rescue medication as close to the start of exercise as possible.
• Breathe through the nose during exercise.
• In cold weather, wear a scarf or surgical mask,
• Take brief rests during exercise and use rescue medication, as prescribed, if symptoms start.
• Cool down after exercise to help slow the change of air temperature in the lungs.

Avoiding Other Asthma Triggers

• Don’t smoke. Don’t allow people to smoke in your home.
• Wash your pillows and bed sheets in hot water (at least 120 degrees F) once a week.
• Buy a new pillow every year.
• Remove carpets from bedrooms.
• Limit the number of stuffed animals a child sleeps with - and wash them once a week.
• Think carefully about having a real pet. Look for breeds that are less prone to shedding. Make sure to keep them out of the bedroom and don’t allow them to sit on upholstered furniture.
• Dust and mop frequently with a clean, wet cloth.
• Consider purchasing a dehumidifier to keep humidity low.
• Avoid roach and mice infestations by keeping food covered and stored, washing dishes as soon as possible, and investing in mouse and/or roach traps.
• Use fragrance-free products.