What should you tell the parent of a child with asthma about engaging in strenuous exercise?

• A. Children with asthma should be excluded from vigorous exercise and most strenuous sports
• B. Enrollment in a conditioning program to improve performance
• C. Physical activity has been shown to improve overall pulmonary function in children with asthma
• D. Vigorous exercise helps improve symptoms in children with poorly controlled asthma

Answer: (C)

Regular physical activity is beneficial for children with asthma, especially when the condition is well controlled and a plan is in place. The most appropriate message to tell parents is that physical activity has been shown to improve overall pulmonary function in children with asthma. With good control, regular exercise improves endurance, fitness, and ventilatory efficiency, and can reduce the overall burden of symptoms during daily activities.

To make this work safely, ensure asthma is well managed, have a rescue inhaler available, and use strategies like a proper warm-up and gradual progression. If symptoms occur during exercise, follow the asthma action plan and adjust treatment as needed. Excluding a child from vigorous activity isn’t necessary, and while conditioning can help, the key idea is that exercise itself can improve lung function when asthma is controlled; avoid assuming vigorous activity will help if asthma remains poorly controlled, since that can provoke symptoms.