Children with asthma should avoid sport

What the research found

Australian health guidance says people with asthma should be able to take part in almost any sport or exercise. Scuba diving is the only sport not generally recommended. Children's hospital guidance says almost all children with asthma can play sport and lead active lives with the right treatment and management.

A 2025 systematic review of 13 randomised trials, with 673 children with asthma, found exercise improved six-minute walk distance and asthma quality of life scores. A 2022 review of 24 trials with 1031 patients also looked at exercise programs for children with asthma. A 2020 review says children with asthma were once kept from exercise over fears of triggering an attack, but physical activity programs have consistently improved fitness and physical capacity.

The worry has a basis. Exercise can trigger asthma symptoms, called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. It affects up to 90% of people with asthma and 18 to 26% of school children. Guidance says it is usually easily managed with good overall asthma control, reliever medicine, and a warm-up. Swimming is less likely to set off symptoms than running or cycling.

What it doesn’t mean

• This doesn't mean exercise is risk-free for every child. If your child coughs, wheezes or gets a tight chest during sport, see your doctor. Their asthma medicines and action plan may need reviewing.
• Children should carry their reliever medicine and spacer, and stop and use it if symptoms appear. Symptoms can also appear up to half an hour after exercise.
• Scuba diving is the one sport generally not recommended for people with asthma.