Exercise-Induced Asthma Treatment

In this article

• Call 911 now if the person:
• 1. Stop Activity
• 2. Follow the Person’s Asthma Plan, if Possible
• 3. Give Asthma First Aid
• 4. Resume Activity When Safe
• 5. Follow Up

Call 911 now if the person:

• Is struggling to breathe
• Has blue lips
• Is unable to walk or talk
• Shows other signs of a severe attack

1. Stop Activity

• Have the person sit down and rest.

2. Follow the Person’s Asthma Plan, if Possible

• Find out if the person has an individualized asthma action plan from a doctor.
• If so, follow its directions.

3. Give Asthma First Aid

• 
  If the person doesn't have an asthma plan:
  
  • For an adult, follow directions for first aid and using an inhaler in Acute Asthma Attack Treatment for Adults.
  • For a child, follow directions for first aid and using an inhaler in Acute Asthma Attack Treatment for Children.

4. Resume Activity When Safe

• Wait until the person can breathe easily and is symptom-free before resuming exercise.
• If symptoms return when person starts exercise again, repeat treatment and stop exercise for rest of day.

5. Follow Up

• If symptoms do not improve with treatment, call the person's doctor for advice.

• Notify school nurse or other designated staff if child does not have asthma medication or symptoms do not go away within five to 10 minutes after using inhaler.
• Notify the child’s parents.
• Do not let child leave the gym or play area alone.