Asthma affects about one in seven teenagers. By understanding and managing your asthma, you can keep it under control and stop it affecting your study, sport and social activities.
Coping with change
The teenage or adolescent years are a time of great physical and emotional change, and dealing with asthma may seem a low priority. Teenagers need the help and support of parents and family.
The importance of self-management
Teenagers can successfully and responsibly manage their own asthma:
- Take medications regularly. They are the key to freedom from asthma.
- Know your individual asthma trigger factors and avoid these where possible.
- Know your Asthma Action Plan – recognise signs of worsening asthma and how to treat them.
How teenagers can help themselves
Some helpful hints for the teenager with asthma include:
- Take time to learn about asthma. Understand what your medication does and how to use your medication devices correctly.
- Visit your doctor every six months, or more often if you have severe asthma.
- Work with your doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan.
Your Asthma Action Plan
An Asthma Action Plan is a written set of instructions prepared in partnership with your doctor that assists you to manage your asthma at different times. Your plan should help you to:
- Recognise that your asthma symptoms are worsening or an ‘attack’ is developing.
- Start treatment quickly.
- Identify the symptoms that are serious enough to need urgent medical help.
It will outline what medication to take every day when well, what to do when unwell and what to do when asthma is worse.
Effects of medications
Some people are worried about the side effects of asthma medications.
A number of the asthma preventer medications are corticosteriods. These ‘steroids’ are not the same as anabolic steroids that can be misused by athletes. By inhaling medication, small doses can be taken and they go directly to the airways.
Exercise and sport
Exercise is important because it keeps you fit and healthy. However, exercise can sometimes trigger asthma. People with asthma should be able to play almost any sport or exercise (although scuba diving should be avoided).
These tips should be followed if you exercise or play sport:
- Always warm up before exercise; 15 to 20 minutes of light exercise and stretching is recommended.
- Use your reliever medication 5 to 10 minutes before you warm up.
- Remember to carry your reliever medication at all times. It is the only medication to use in an asthma emergency.
- Always cool down after exercise.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Your local community health centre
- The Asthma Foundation of Victoria Tel.1800 645 130 or (03) 9326 7088
Things to remember
- Having an Asthma Action Plan can help you manage your asthma.
- The steroids in asthma medication are safe and effective.
You might also be interested in:
Asthma.
Asthma-friendly home.
Asthma and exercise.
Asthma and smoking.
Asthma facts.
Asthma management.
Asthma management can be improved.
Asthma medications and other drugs.
School students and chronic illness.
School students and chronic illness - finding support.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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