Most of the teenagers who have asthma are also
allergic to many things. The asthma can get severe even
if the people with asthma are exposed to allergens of
low grade. Allergies play an important role in asthma
cased which are undiagnosed. Other factors that also
trigger childhood asthma include upper respiratory
infections like colds, second hand smoke, and certain
climate conditions like cold air and due to emotional
physical expressions like laughing, crying or yelling.
However, it is not the end of the road for asthmatics as
they can live active and healthy if they manage asthma
properly by avoiding asthma triggers, regular intake of
prescribed medications, being alert of the warnings and
be aware of the ways to deal with an asthma attack.
There is a great consensus among the parents whether
their children would outgrow asthma as they grow up. But
the truth is it depends from child to child. While some
children experience improvement in their teens others
see asthma becoming even more severe. But almost half of
the children who have asthma outgrow asthma as they grow
although some symptoms may come back later.
Many parents have questions like whether their children
can take part in sport activities. The answer is both
yes and no. Some kids may get an asthma attack when they
participate in exercises like running. But with proper
management a teenager suffering from asthma can actively
participate in sports. Special aerobic exercises can
improve airway function. This strengthens the breathing
muscles. Some of the ways that one can participate in
sports is to follow the regimen of stretching the
muscles prior to and after exercising, nose-breathe
instead of breathing through the mouth and make sure
that humidified air passes through the airways. Also
parents should make sure that the adolescent has taken
all prescribed medication supposed to be taken before
they begin exercising. Carrying a reliever is a must for
asthmatic teens which would come handy if asthma attack
occurs. Asthmatic teenagers should make sure that they
wear something over their mouth and nose to stop cold
air from entering.
It is not easy for adolescent teens to attend school
when they have asthma but it is not difficult also at
the same time if proper coordination is made among the
teenager, doctor, family and school employees. It is a
good idea to consult teachers, nurses and other
pertaining employees of the school and let them know
that the teenager has asthma and may have special
requirements. Also, let the school management know on
medications the teenager regularly takes and how to help
the teenager when an attack occurs. The school staff
should be asked to treat the teen normally once the
attack subsides. The physical education coach should
also be informed about the condition so that he/she can
let the kid stretch the muscles before any exercises or
to deal with asthma attack induced due to exercises.
Also, before admitting the teenager to a new school care
must be taken to check the quality of air, irritants and
allergens if any present in the school. The school staff
should take considerations to avoid symptoms which could
hamper the energy level kids. Also asthmatic teens
should be assured from time to time that they are no
different from others and asthma in any way does not
slow them down, They need this emotional confidence
otherwise they may have personality problems.
