‘I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of seven just as I began swimming. I’ve managed it over the years by listening to my doctor and taking my preventer inhalers. I never train without my reliever inhaler by the side of the pool, just in case, but very rarely have any problems.’

KAREN PICKERING, SWIMMER

Swimming is usually an excellent form of exercise for children and young people with asthma. The warm humid air in the pool is less likely to trigger symptoms of asthma. However, this is not the case for everyone and chlorine and swimming in cold water can trigger some people’s asthma. To minimise the effect of cold air ensure that everyone is warmed up thoroughly and that they have taken their inhaler beforehand.

20% of the British Olympic Team in Athens 2004 had asthma.