Exercise Asthma?

Anyone out there with experience with this? My VERY active 9yo DS gave us a big scare yesterday at Football Practice. Last night in the ER they diagnosed him with exercise asthma. Any info would be helpful -Thanks!

Message edited 9/1/2011 10:35:15 AM.

Re: Exercise Asthma?

I had it growing up. They called it exercise-induced-asthma

Honestly, looking back, I think it is a kind of made up term for difficulty breathing while doing strenuous activities. I don't know how related to real "asthma" it really is.

I think mine stemmed from my total lack of desire to run track in school. I would run, be out of breath, and then complain. I think everyone feels "out of breath" when the run... I just complained about it (I complained a lot as a kid)

Not sure if your son has the same thing that I had or the lack of desire that I had. Just wanted to share how it was for me

Re: Exercise Asthma?

I've had asthma my entire life, and was just recently downgraded to exercise induced (yay!). I'm not terribly familiar with exercise induced, but with regular asthma proper maintenance is key. And you can 100% have a total normal, active life with it. Jackie Joyner-Kersee was a famous runner who had asthma, and my best friend has exercise-induced and has run the NYC marathon twice.

http://www.aafa.org/ This site may be helpful. Basically, if he is prescribed an inhaler, make sure he always has it with him when doing anything high energy (or in extreme heat/humidity), as it can be lifesaving. Inhalers are fast-acting, so it's important to have. Good luck!

Re: Exercise Asthma?

No such thing as "excercise asthma" according to my sons allergist. Its asthma, plain and simple.

He takes an inhaler twice a day and has a rescue inhaler and nebulizer for emergencies.

Hoping he grows out of it, but he is almost 8 and if anything, its worse

Re: Exercise Asthma?

My son had it and it only gives him issues every once in a while but he has pretty much grown out of it