Physical Activities and Corresponding Triggers

Outdoor Sports and Recreation Activities

  • Walking/cycling/running/hiking
  • Soccer
  • Football
  • Baseball/softball
  • Lacrosse
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Rock climbing
  • Golf
  • Skiing/snowboarding
  • Tennis

Triggers to Consider

  • Outdoor allergies: pollen (trees, grasses, flowers, weeds) and moulds
  • Air pollution
  • Humidity
  • Hot or cold or windy weather

Water-Based Activities

  • Diving
  • Swimming
  • Synchronized swimming
  • Water polo

Triggers to Consider

  • Humidity
  • Mould
  • Pool chemicals

Indoor Sports and Recreation

  • Martial arts
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Gymnastics
  • Wrestling
  • Box lacrosse
  • Climbing
  • Dance
  • Racquet sports
  • Fitness activities
  • Cardio machines
  • Weight machines
  • Group classes

Triggers to Consider

  • Moulds present in some gymnasiums
  • Cleaning chemicals
  • Gym mats (these can become very dusty)
  • Scents (perfume, cologne)

Arena-Based Activities

  • Broomball
  • Ice hockey
  • Ringette
  • Skating

Triggers to Consider

  • Cold air
  • Arena chemical fumes
  • Fumes from ice surfacing vehicle
  • Moulds

Adapted with permission from the Asthma Society of Canada’s Breathe Easy: A Guide for Being Active and Healthy with Asthma (PDF).