Asthma In Adolescents
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.
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