What behavior should a child with asthma avoid during exercise to prevent symptoms?

A child with asthma should avoid mouth breathing during exercise to prevent symptoms because this behavior can lead to increased airway irritation and dryness. Typically, when a child breathes through their mouth, the incoming air is not warmed or humidified, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. Nasal breathing, on the other hand, allows the air to be filtered, warmed, and moistened before it reaches the lungs, thus helping to minimize the risk of triggering an asthma episode.

While factors like cold weather, intense physical activity, and playing competitive sports can also affect asthma management, mouth breathing during exercise directly impacts the comfort and health of the child's airways and overall ability to engage in physical activities comfortably. It's essential for children with asthma to be taught proper breathing techniques, especially during exercise, to ensure better control over their condition and to facilitate participation in physical activities safely.