How Can We Prevent an Asthma Flare-Up at a Game During a Cold Front?
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Question
My granddaughter has asthma. We are having an unusual cold front in our state. She will be playing in a soccer game in cold weather. How can I best prepare her for this weather so that she does not have an asthma flare-up during the game?
Answer
Cold air β especially cold, dry air β can be a major trigger for asthma symptoms. You can do several things to help prevent asthma flare-ups in these conditions.
- Have her do a pre-exercise warm-up of 10-15 minutes (stretching, calisthenics).
- Have her take her quick-relief medicine (such as albuterol) 30 minutes before exercise. It can prevent airways from tightening.
- Use a face mask or scarf to cover her mouth and nose. This can help warm and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs.
- Tell her to breathe through her nose rather than the mouth during exercise. This can also help warm and humidify the air she breathes in.
- Follow her Asthma Action Plan. Have a quick-relief inhaler immediately available. This is crucial.
- Talk with your childβs doctor for more recommendations and guidance.
Categories
Asthma, Prevention
Answered by
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelorβs degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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