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| Helping Teens with Asthma |
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Teenagers often thing they�re invincible - nothing bad is going to happen to them. They can be especially cavalier about their health, failing to take medications or see a doctor when necessary. For example, when a teen has signs of asthma, he or she may ignore symptoms and fail to ask for help. Even when teens are diagnosed with the disease, they may skip using their medications, says Pamela Georgeson, D.O., of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. And they aren�t doing themselves any favors. Ignoring asthma can leave teens feeling lousy. It can interfere with everyday activities and participation in sports. It can even put their lives in danger. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Teens with allergies or whose parents have asthma are at increased risk for having asthma themselves. Be sure to tell your teen�s doctor about these risk factors if your teenager has them. Symptoms of asthma may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and a tight feeling in the chest. These may be present all the time or only during exercise. Even minor signs of asthma shouldn�t be dismissed, Dr. Georgeson says. 'I see kids who say, �Every time I play soccer, I cough.� They think that�s normal, but it�s not,' she says. Parents should be aware that certain activities, such as teen smoking, can be especially hazardous to the health of someone with asthma. Secondhand smoke can also make asthma worse. HOW PARENTS CAN HELP Teens with asthma sometimes must be reminded of the importance of using medications regularly. 'Teens live in the moment. They�re crisis- oriented,' Dr. Georgeson says. A teen may use medicine during an asthma flare-up, but fail to use daily medications that help prevent flare-ups in the first place. Some teenagers may fear that they will appear different; they don�t want their friends to see them using medication. A physician can help by prescribing an inhaler that can be puffed twice daily�once before the teen leaves for school and once at bedtime. Other teens may neglect their medicines as an act of rebellion against their parents, Dr. Georgeson says. In such cases, it�s important to remind teens that medications help them feel better and get more enjoyment out of sports and other activities. If your teen refuses to listen, you might ask the doctor to speak to him or her. 'A physician can speak very honestly to a teen. Sometimes the teen is more apt to listen,' Dr. Georgeson says. Consider asking the doctor about support groups and asthma camps where your son or daughter can meet other teens with the disease. Peer support can help kids with asthma stay healthy, Dr. Georgeson says. More>> Check out Feather River Hospital's Health Information Search for more on asthma. |
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