Northwest Indiana Pediatric Doctor and Physician

Parents of children with asthma often struggle with deciding whether to let their child participate in sports. But here’s the good news – with careful management and proper guidance, asthma shouldn’t hold your kids back from participating in the activities they love.

These pediatric care providers in Northwest Indiana share key things parents should know about managing their child’s asthma symptoms, ensuring that sports become a fun and safe activity for your child.

Observe and understand your child’s asthma.

Asthma does not affect every child in the same way. Some children may enjoy a day of running around without any issues, whereas others might feel out of breath after a few minutes during a game of tag.

Being observant is crucial in this situation. Keep an eye on your kid whenever they participate in any kind of physical activity. This could be a game of football on the weekend, a regular gym class at school, or just some casual playtime with friends in the neighborhood. Their activity levels and responses can help you better understand their asthma triggers.

Talking with your child is just as important. Ask your child how they physically feel when they play or exercise. Do they feel tightness in their chest? Do they find it hard to breathe?

If they continually show signs of discomfort during or after physical exertion, it may be time to consult with an experienced pediatric care provider in Northwest Indiana. They can offer helpful advice, such as recommending that your child use an inhaler before engaging in physically demanding activities. These preventive steps can help ensure your child can participate in sports without fear of an asthma flare-up.

Be proactive and create an action plan.

Preparation goes a long way in managing the symptoms of asthma. Once you have a good feel for when and how your child’s asthma symptoms manifest, especially during physical activities, the next step is to be well-prepared for any situation.

It is helpful to create a detailed Asthma Action Plan for your child. This manual should clearly explain what steps to take if your child experiences an asthma episode, which medicines they need, and when to seek further medical help.

You should also ensure that everyone in your child’s immediate circle has this manual. Make copies and distribute them to your child’s teachers, coaches, babysitters or even parents of their close friends. This ensures that those around your child know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.

It is worth mentioning that the goal of this action plan is not to prevent your child from participating in the activities that they enjoy the most. Instead, it is about providing them (and those around them) with all the information they need for safe participation. With proper planning, children with asthma don’t have to miss out on the fun of active play, just like any other child. If you need help creating an Asthma Action Plan that is right for your child, you can always consult with an experienced pediatric care provider in Northwest Indiana.

Looking for an Affordable Pediatric Care Provider in Northwest Indiana?

Your child’s asthma should not stop them from enjoying sports and other physical activities. And fortunately, with the right advice and guidance, it won’t. Are you ready to meet with a reputable pediatric care provider in Northwest Indiana who can help your child manage their asthma? If so, our team at 219 Health Network would be happy to meet with you.