my son wants to do karate class hes asthmatic i am worried hes 9 should i let him?

Question

all hes friends are doing it and he feels left out just want to know if it might help his sickness get any better,,please thank you for suggestions

Answer 1

My kid is 10 and has asthma. He's been doing judo since he was 6. No problems. He takes his inhalator to his classes

Answer 2

The first thing you need to do is talk to his doctor. My middle one has asthma and he plays soccer and does swim team and many other things and it doesn't stop him. He's been a respiratory arrest.
The second thing you want to do is set up a plan with his doctor based on a peak flow meter and symptoms. for example:

Green: no symptoms- peak flow normal for mikey
Normal meds only

Yellow: some symptoms, mild cough, slight Shortness of breath, no wheezing, Peak flow ( get a range from you doc)
Add in meds here with doctor's approval, maybe his metered dose inhaler

RED: Many symptoms, cough, throat clearing, shortness of breath, wheezing, Peak flow( again get a range from your doctor)

At this point you would need instructions based on your child's history. Your doc may want you to call him if you get to this point, may want you to start aerosol treatments on a set schedule, may want you to go to the ER, or add in a steriod burst.

Next you need to talk to the facility where he would be taking karate. Make sure that they understand his condition and make sure they would accomadate him if he became symptomatic.

Finally, you need to be prepared to let him try new stuff, even if his symptoms get worse for a little while. I also have asthma and it has never stopped me from doing what I wanted. I treat my son the same way. I let him try it and decide if it is too hard or too much of a stretch for him. He has never quit anything. It does take more planning on a parent's part. I have to make sure everyone around him is educated, that he knows when and how to use his MDI and that he has it with him, but it has been very well worth it. Good Luck

Answer 3

I think you definitely have a problem.

You need to sit down with a doctor a good long while and have them explain your son's condition with you.

Considering how many karate experts there are out there with both a Black Belt and an inhaler, not to mention all the Olympic Atheletes and Professional sports personalities that all have asthma, the only thing stopping your child from having a "normal" life.... is you.

Answer 4

Many asthmatics are able to sucessfully participate in sports. There are even some asthmatics that are playing for the NFL.

The most important thing is to ensure their asthma is well controlled, the instructor is aware of his asthma and emergency medication is on hand.

I would also visit your peditrician or pulmonologist to ensure the child is cleared to play sports. They can also speak with your son about the importance of not waiting until symptoms are severe before using medication. They may also prescribe a preventative medication like singulair or advair if your child isn't already on such medication this medicaiton does not replace your childs emergency medication but can reduce attacks.

Make a pact with your child you will try to karate but in return he has to agree that he will not put off emergency medication if he starts to experience symptoms. This will also empower your child so he can feel he is more in control of his asthma. Something he needs to learn to manage anyway.

With proper medication prevenatative and emergency medication your child can live a full life that is not limited by his asthma. It's important for your child to participate in these types of activities.

There is a lot of information on children with asthma and physical activities, I have copied some links on the subject. Working with your child, their doctors, etc your child can realize his dreams of participating in sports.

The Mayo clinic has an excellent article on the subject.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/AS00027

Answer 5

Check with your doctor! If the child has exercise-induced asthma, there are inhalers he can use directly before class to avoid an asthma attack during exercise. Usually, asthmatic people have two types of inhalers/medication. One is a maintenance medication that they take daily regardless of their symptoms. The other is a "rescue" medication to be taken during asthma attacks. I believe it can also be taken to ward off an asthma attack prior to exercise, exposure to allergens, whatever unique situation may arise.

I had asthma as a child. I could not run 10 feet without wheezing. Inhalers had not yet been invented. Luckily, I outgrew it in my teens and have had little problems as an adult. I have also been in martial arts for more than nine years. In martial arts, you proceed through the ranks at your own pace (at least at a good school). There is no pressure to attain a certain color belt at any specific time. Therefore, anyone with challenges can just take a bit more time and that is perfectly fine. The camaderie of fellow students in a good martial arts school is invaluable.

I recommend that you consult your doctor and ask him/her. Unless there is a serious health concern, please give your child this opportunity for success.

Answer 6

You should just go ahead and let him. If this is what he wants, then its fine. If there are any problems though, you just just have him take a break from karate. To him, he probably feels as if he cant do anything about his asthma. Be supportive of him and let him join. The more he works his body, the stronger he will become and his imunity might grow stronger.

Answer 7

That's a question to ask your doctor. I have a friend with asthma who ran cross country in high school without any serious problems. I would think it's a matter of how well his asthma is controlled now and if he's able to help himself if he should have an attack. Probably your little guy will be just fine.

Answer 8

My brother in law is a severe asthmatic and in high school he played football, baseball and played the flute in the band. He just made sure he had his inhaler and things with him. I would ask the doctor first just to be sure and tell the karate instructor so they know to be on the lookout for an attack.

Answer 9

If I were you I would consult his doctor first. Then sign him up. Asthma can be controlled with medicine and many children play sports that have asthma with no problem, including my youngest son who plays baseball. All kids should be able to be involved in a sport or activity that they really like. It helps them in lots of ways like self esteem, exercise, making friends, hand & eye cordnation & so on. I hope it works out for your son! Good Luck!

Answer 10

Actually it could help because they teach breathing techniques in Karate. It is also great for self discipline and self control. My daughter is an asthmatic, she got her black belt in Eagle Claw Kung Fu when she was 15 years old.