As a parent, you’re naturally going to worry about your child no matter how old they get, and that worry only increases if they are battling a health condition. As the parent of a teen, you may find it even more challenging to get them to listen to you and take their health seriously. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips on how to help child with asthma.
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How can I tell if my teenager has asthma?
Asthma's symptoms can mimic those of pneumonia, bronchitis, allergies, or even a cold, so it's not always clear. However, there are some telltale signs that it may be asthma. Wheezing and coughing (particularly at night) are the most common symptoms of an asthma attack, but other signs -- tightness in the chest or shortness of breath -- are also indications of asthma.
If your teen's symptoms keep them from sleeping through the night or if they interfere with their normal activities, he or she could have asthma.
You should have a doctor examine your child to determine whether or not they have it, and if they do, how severely the disease affects their lungs.
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Keep in mind that many teens with asthma also have allergies; if your teen suffers from hay fever or other allergic reactions, take any sign of asthma seriously.
Also, since colds and other respiratory infections often lead to attacks, you should suspect asthma if your teen keeps coughing long after an illness has faded.
What can I do to prevent attacks?
Try protecting your teenager from the allergies and irritants that commonly trigger attacks. No family members should ever smoke in the house, and urge your teen never to smoke; he or she should also avoid breathing secondhand smoke.
Vacuum your floors regularly, clear their room of major dust traps such as potted plants, rugs, and carpet, and get bedding made of non-allergenic materials. If your child is allergic to your pets, ask your allergist for advice.
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Meanwhile, keep them outside or at least out of their room. (Washing your pet regularly is also effective.)
If your child suffers asthma attacks only in spring and fall, try limiting their exposure to pollen -- the likely culprit in seasonal allergies -- by keeping the windows closed and installing filters in your air conditioner.
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When he or she goes out in cold weather, remind them to breathe through their nose and suggest that they cover their mouth with a scarf.
Physicians have long speculated that strong emotions can trigger an asthma attack, and a study from the University at Buffalo in New York backs up that theory. The research found that young people have nearly twice the incidence of depression compared to peers without asthma and that being depressed can increase their asthma symptoms.
In addition, another study found that kids faced with threats such as street violence were twice as likely to show symptoms of asthma as other children. For these reasons, some psychologists recommend suggesting your child have an appointment for counseling if they seem depressed or under a lot of stress.
Can my teenager still exercise and play sports?
Absolutely. Many top Olympic and professional athletes have asthma, and there's no reason the condition should keep your teen from their favorite sports. If your child is prone to attacks during exercise, they may need to use their inhaler right before working out.
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for anyone with asthma because the warm, humid air around a heated pool makes breathing easier. Sports that require constant motion, such as soccer, may be particularly challenging, but your teen can almost certainly find a way to stay in the game. They should always have their inhaler close by, though, in case they need it.
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How can I encourage my teen to take their medicine?
Even if your teenager has been dealing with asthma since grade school, he or she may suddenly have trouble sticking to their treatment. Indeed, one study found that while both children and teens under-used long-term control medication across the board, teens were 20 percent more likely to show signs of inadequate control of their asthma than younger children. Fearful of being teased or ridiculed, many teens try to keep their condition a secret, which often means going without their inhalers or pills.
When left untreated like this, the disease can get worse, leading to permanent lung damage or even a life-threatening attack. Tell your teen that the medications can help them lead a normal life filled with sports and socializing -- if they don’t try to keep their asthma to themself. Instead, they should tell all their friends and teachers about the condition so they'll be supportive and less likely to panic during an attack.
The good news is that by taking an active role in managing asthma, your teen can lead a full life.
