Question and Answer for the day
Q:
Why does it seem so many kids have inhalers? Should my child be on one?
A: Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) are common diseases in children. Various agents (such as humidity and temperature of the air) cause an irritation of the bronchioles in the lungs resulting in bronchoconstriction. Due to these facts, the warm moist (humid) environment of the swimming pool is helpful in reducing the onset of asthmatic attacks. Therefore, many children with asthma are advised to swim if they are interested in sport participation. Typical treatments for EIB or EIA are inhaled medications that aid in reducing the bronchoconstriction and opening the airways (McArdle, Katch, Katch 1991). The inhalers are prescribed by a licensed doctor for the youngster following medical testing to determine both the presence of and severity of either EIA or EIB. As with any prescribed drug, sharing inhalers is not a safe practice. Although many swimmers may be seen using inhalers, the sport of swimming does not cause asthma in children. The warm moist environment of the swimming pool is often one of the only places that children suffering from EIB or EIA can be physically active without severe problems. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma have allowed more children and adults to participate in organized sport throughout their lifetime. *If an inhaler is prescribed for your child, you might want to double-check the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) drug hotline for which drugs are acceptable and which are banned. (800) 233-0393
A: Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) are common diseases in children. Various agents (such as humidity and temperature of the air) cause an irritation of the bronchioles in the lungs resulting in bronchoconstriction. Due to these facts, the warm moist (humid) environment of the swimming pool is helpful in reducing the onset of asthmatic attacks. Therefore, many children with asthma are advised to swim if they are interested in sport participation. Typical treatments for EIB or EIA are inhaled medications that aid in reducing the bronchoconstriction and opening the airways (McArdle, Katch, Katch 1991). The inhalers are prescribed by a licensed doctor for the youngster following medical testing to determine both the presence of and severity of either EIA or EIB. As with any prescribed drug, sharing inhalers is not a safe practice. Although many swimmers may be seen using inhalers, the sport of swimming does not cause asthma in children. The warm moist environment of the swimming pool is often one of the only places that children suffering from EIB or EIA can be physically active without severe problems. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma have allowed more children and adults to participate in organized sport throughout their lifetime. *If an inhaler is prescribed for your child, you might want to double-check the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) drug hotline for which drugs are acceptable and which are banned. (800) 233-0393
