I saw a young asthmatic having a rare (and mild) wheezing episode this week.  Her mother wanted a note to excuse her from P.E.   Nope!  That’s the opposite from the desired outcome.   My goal is to give medications so she IS a normal, active kid.

Asthma causes symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.  Commonly exercise  brings on these symptoms.  Studies show only 23% of kids routinely took their albuterol inhaler before exercise.    Adolescents are most likely to avoid activities because of exercise-related respiratory symptoms.

Asthma treatment can be used in a stair-stepped approach, adding medication as the patient’s symptoms require.  If an albuterol “rescue” inhaler is used twice a week or less, no other medication is needed.  A life-preserver at the pool is like an albuterol inhaler.  If it’s needed more than twice a week, you need to learn to swim (or help your lungs in a different way).  An inhaler with different properties should be added daily, not just when needed.    In addition, if environmental  allergies are a trigger, then a daily antihistamine should be used.

You and your physician can make up an asthma action plan.  A peak flow meter (breathing into a special tube at home) used daily gives you a lung volume number.  This helps gauge lung capacity, before wheezing or other symptoms start.   Check out an action plan.  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/asthma/asthma_actplan.pdf

Hope this helps.