Swimming with AsthmaThere are many myths that float around surrounding asthma and swimming pools, but we are here to put them to bed. First things first, there is absolutely no scientific evidence that chlorinated swimming pools can cause asthma in children.

In fact many health professionals, including the government body for Public Health, have found that swimming can actually benefit children with asthma. Many doctors even go so far as to encourage you to take asthmatic kids swimming, here’s why:

Healthy, Active Lifestyle

Exercise is very good for asthma, as you force the lungs to open up and work which will gradually make them much stronger overall. Because of this, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking part in regular exercises means that children are able to keep their asthma under control and reducing the risk of an asthma attack.

However, it is important that the exercise that is taken part in isn’t overly strenuous, which makes swimming ideal for an aerobic full-body workout. Having a safe and secure environment is key, and a swimming pool provides just that – with you or lifeguards keeping watch and medical supplies close by.

Equally, by keeping fit your children are less likely to become obese and risk aggravating the asthma symptoms. Obesity is one of the biggest, medically-proven reasons for aggressive asthma and an increased number of attacks.

Avoiding Dry, Cold Air

It has been found that cold or dry air can bring on asthma attacks, meaning that many asthmatics are unable to exercise as regularly as they may want to during winter months. However, indoor swimming pools maintain a warm temperature and moist air which makes breathing much easier for individuals with this condition.

Health Benefits Over Potential Risk

The general consensus seems to be that the huge array of health benefits that asthmatic children can gain through swimming far outweigh any potential risks. That said, you need to ensure that the chemical balance of the pool is properly maintained. Spikes in the pH levels or adding too much or too little chlorine can be harmful to your health, regardless of pre-existing medical conditions.

While swimming is a great exercise for people with asthma, varieties of it like scuba diving are not recommended. This is because the pressure can force your lungs to contract and make it extremely difficult to breathe. However, even if you dive into the deep end when swimming you shouldn’t experience any problems as a result of the pressure.