Helping Your Asthmatic Teenager Cope
 It may seem like the years have flown by, and now your child is a teenager, facing all the challenges that come with the adolescent years. But for teenagers with asthma, it may be a little more difficult. Dealing with both the teenage years and asthma can be quite challenging. Here are some steps you can take to help your teenager cope:
- Encourage your teenager to take an active part in his or her asthma management program, treatment and symptoms.
- Let them know that taking this responsibility is part of becoming an adult with concern for their own health and self-image.
- Review the asthma treatment plan and how they are utilizing it to ensure they are not experiencing increased asthma symptoms.
- As a parent, take a step back and trust your child to continue his or her healthy behavior with the assistance of a physician.
- Work with teachers, coaches and club or group leaders - not only to make them aware that your teen has asthma, but to let them know that they should continue to encourage the teen's participation in academic, sports and social activities.
- Urge your teen to join an asthma support group or other social activities that allow them to share their thoughts and feelings about asthma.
- Reaffirm your teenager's self-esteem and value.
- Make sure know that they are not "sick," and with appropriate maintenance and treatment for their chronic condition, asthma doesn't have to slow them down.
It is important to provide support regarding asthma treatment and management, and to help young adults gain control over both their asthma symptoms and their management and treatment schedule. Issues that should be discussed include activities, medications and potential side effects, and avoidance measures. Open communication and understanding of adolescent development can greatly aid in overcoming stumbling blocks for appropriate asthma management and treatment.
This feature was edited by Stuart A. Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, AAAAI Patients & Consumers Web Editor on 3/18/04.
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