I am Mom to two asthmatic gymnasts. They have both gone through periods of seemingly uncontrolled asthma. Right now everything is well under control (singulair,pulmicort, bricanyl). I have often worried about the chalk dust. I think anything that can get in their lungs can be irritating, even if it is not toxic. I encourage my girls not to linger around the chalk bowl, they do not wear
grips so that do not really need much anyway.
I suppose asking your daughters specialist would be a good idea. But, at the end of the day she is probably not going to stop gym even if it is the chalk dust.
As for other medications only your doctor could really make suggestions. Our daughters also struggled a lot with allergies last year, which compounded their symptoms. SO perhaps soem allergy testing might be helpful.
Good luck, I know how frustrating it is to hear your child coughing constantly, made me feel like a bad Mom, other parents would always comment, as though my kid might make theirs sicks. I felt I should get them a shirt with "it's not a cold, it's asthama!" on the front.
