Asthma in PE and school sports

Full participation in PE and sports should be the goal for all but the most severely affected children with asthma. However, many children with asthma will experience asthma symptoms during exercise. Teachers taking PE classes have an important role in supporting and encouraging pupils with asthma. They should:

make sure that they know which children have asthma

be encouraging and supportive to pupils with asthma

remind children whose asthma is triggered by exercise to take a dose of reliever medication a few minutes before they start the class

encourage children with asthma to do a few short sprints over a five minute period to warm up

make sure children bring their reliever inhalers to the gym, the sports field or the swimming pool

make sure children who say they need their asthma medication take their reliever inhaler and rest until they feel better

speak to the parents if they are concerned that a child has undiagnosed asthma (or ask the form teacher to)

make time to speak to parents to allay their concerns or fears about children with asthma participating in PE.

What to do if a child has an asthma attack

1. Ensure that the reliever inhaler is taken immediately. This is usually blue and opens up the narrowest air passages.

2. Stay calm and reassure the child. Attacks can be frightening so stay calm. Listen carefully to what the child is saying. It is very comforting to have a hand to hold but do no put your arm around the child's shoulder as this is restrictive.

3. Help the child to breathe. Encourage the child to breathe slowly and deeply. Most children find it easier to sit upright or lean forward slightly. Lying flat on the back is not recommended. Ensure tight clothing is loosened and offer the child a drink of water.

Minor attacks should not interrupt a child's involvement in school. As soon as they feel better they can return to normal school activities. The child's parents must be informed about the attack.

Emergency situation:

Call a doctor or the ambulance urgently if:

the reliever has no effect after five or 10 minutes

the child is either distressed or unable to talk

the child is getting exhausted

you have any doubts at all about the child's condition

Continue to give reliever medication every few minutes until help arrives. A child should always be taken to hospital in an ambulance. School staff should not take them in their car as the child's condition may deteriorate very quickly.