Swimming and asthma: How water helps children breathe with full lungs
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Parents often think asthma is a barrier to sports. That a child should take it easy, avoid exertion, cold air, running, or jumping. The fear of choking, attacks, and the inhaler in the bag becomes part of everyday life.
But water tells a different story.
Many children start swimming because they have asthma!
From my many years of experience working with babies, children, teenagers, adults, veterans, and children with disabilities, I can confidently say that illness is not a barrier to swimming. Quite the opposite. Water is for everyone.
Swimming does not limit children who have breathing problems or asthma—on the contrary, they are encouraged to swim. Swimming can do a great deal for your overall health if you stay consistent and trust the process.
Can children with asthma swim?
The short answer is - yes, they can. In fact, swimming is often the very first sport doctors recommend. Unlike running in cold or dry air, the air around a swimming pool is warmer and more humid. This type of environment is less irritating to the airways, so children with asthma often find it easier to breathe in the water than on land. That’s why swimming is considered one of the most suitable sports for children with respiratory issues.
How swimming affects the lungs and breathing
When it comes to asthma, swimming is recommended for both children and adults. During swimming, the chest, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles are actively engaged. These muscles play a crucial role in breathing.
Regular swimming:
increases lung capacity
strengthens respiratory muscles
improves breath control
boosts endurance
Research shows that children who swim regularly can improve lung function and cardiorespiratory fitness without worsening asthma symptoms. Many children also experience a reduced need for inhalers after a period of consistent training—of course, always under medical supervision.
In the water, a child naturally learns to control their breath. They learn when to inhale, when to exhale, and how to calm their breathing. It’s a skill that helps them both in and out of the pool.
Medical check-up and a safe start
That is why a sports medical check-up is important.
Today, more and more children jump into the pool while having respiratory issues, with their inhalers resting at the poolside. With regular check-ups and proper swimming and breathing techniques, a child can enjoy the water and progress safely.
In the water, children don’t have anything squeezing their chests. While swimming, they breathe deeply and feel a sense of freedom they often don’t experience on land.
Through my years of experience, I’ve seen many children who relied on inhalers drastically reduce their use - and some even stop using them altogether. Of course, this always happened alongside regular medical check-ups and responsible training.
A story from the pool: From asthma to medals
A few years ago, parents brought their six-year-old daughter to the pool with an asthma diagnosis. She wanted to swim - and she needed to. With gentle training, she managed to swim one 25-meter length, then take a break and rest. We worked stroke by stroke, technique by technique. Breaststroke and backstroke suited her best. Butterfly is not recommended for beginners with this diagnosis because it is technically demanding. The same goes for freestyle, which - if breathing is not done correctly - can lead to shortness of breath.
After four years of continuous swimming, twice a week for 45 minutes, the girl no longer brought her inhaler to the pool. Her asthma was reduced to a minimum because she learned how to control it when symptoms appeared. Today, she still swims - and even wins medals at school competitions. Throughout the process, she regularly visited her doctor, who knew she was training in the pool.
Famous swimmers who had asthma
Many top swimmers actually entered the pool because of lung problems. Among them are: Ian Thorpe, Mark Spitz, Gary, Hall Jr. Gary Hall Jr. was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 12. He started swimming - and never stopped. Today, he is a legend of the sport and a multiple Olympic champion. His story proves that asthma doesn’t have to be an obstacle. It can be the beginning of a great sporting and life journey.
Which swimming strokes are best for children with asthma
For beginners with asthma, the most commonly recommended strokes are:
breaststroke
backstroke
These strokes allow calmer, more rhythmic breathing and better breath control.
Butterfly is technically demanding and requires strong full-body coordination, while freestyle requires precise breathing control. If done incorrectly, it can lead to shortness of breath, especially in children who are just starting out.
That’s why it’s important for a child to learn swimming under professional supervision and progress gradually.
5 reasons swimming is ideal for children with asthma
1. Strengthens the lungs and respiratory muscles
2. Humid air is less irritating to the airways
3. Improves fitness and immunity
4. Reduces stress and fear of breathlessness
5. Builds a child’s self-confidence
When a child with asthma should skip training
There are situations when swimming should be postponed:
during an acute respiratory infection
during a severe asthma attack
when advised by a doctor
The most important factor is always cooperation between parents, coaches, and doctors.
Swimming is not a season - It’s a life skill
Swimming has a preventive effect on the entire body. It doesn’t just strengthen the lungs, but also:
the heart and circulation
muscles throughout the body
the immune system
a child’s self-confidence
Swimming is not just a summer activity - it is a life skill every child should learn from the earliest age. A child who knows how to swim is safer in the water, moves more freely, and enjoys childhood more.
Water as an ally to breathing
If your child has asthma, water can become their strongest ally. With the right approach, regular check-ups, and professionally guided lessons, swimming can change the way they breathe - and live. Because in the water, a child doesn’t think about a diagnosis.In the water, they breathe, play, grow, and become braver.
Comments