Asthma in PE and School Sports
Full participation in PE and school sports should be the goal for all but the most severely affected children with asthma. However, many children have "exercise triggered asthma" and experience asthma symptoms during exercise. Teachers taking PE class have an important role in supporting and encouraging pupils with asthma. They should:
- Ensure they know which children in the class have asthma
- Be encouraging and supportive to pupils with asthma
- Remind children with exercise induced asthma that some may need to take their reliever ten to fifteen minutes before the start of PE
- Ensure children bring their reliever inhalers (generally blue) to the gym, sports field or swimming pool
- Ensure that children who feel they need their asthma medication take their reliever and rest until they feel better
- Speak to parents if they are concerned a child has undiagnosed asthma
- Speak to parents or GP to allay any concerns or fears about a child with asthma participating in PE
