The teen years can be rough for kids, and they can be even
rougher for teens with asthma. The last thing they want their
friends to know is that they're "different." Here are
some tips to make parenting an adolescent with asthma a bit
easier:
- Many teens don't want to take medication in front of
their friends, so ask your doctor if your teen's daily
controller medication
can be taken at home in the morning and evening. This not only
can make taking asthma medication part of a morning or
nighttime routine, just like brushing teeth or showering, but
also lets parents make sure their kids get all the medication
they need.
- Many kids with asthma, especially teens, stop taking their
daily controller medications and rely only upon their
rescue medications
. Controller medications work quietly in the background to
control airway inflammation without the person actually feeling
any immediate effects, so their benefits might go unnoticed. Not
taking controller medications when needed can be dangerous and
even fatal. If this becomes a concern, discuss it with your
doctor immediately.
- It's very common for teens to be in denial about
having asthma, and they may stop taking medications, which
can lead to more symptoms and
flare-ups
. If this happens, you may need to monitor your
teen's care until he or she is ready to do it alone.
Many parents find it helpful to use a
peak flow meter
(a handheld tool that can be used at home to measure breathing
ability) as the final word on whether (and how much) medication
is needed to prevent a flare-up.
When peak flow readings drop, it's a sign of increasing
airway inflammation. The peak flow meter can detect subtle airway
inflammation and obstruction, even when someone feels fine. In
some cases, it can detect drops in peak flow readings 2 to 3 days
before a flare-up occurs, providing plenty of time to
treat and prevent
it.
Peak flow meters never lie, so kids can't deny they're
having a problem - and parents are less likely to be seen as bad
guys or overprotective, forcing their kids to take medication
unnecessarily.
- Remember to maintain your teen's dignity and involvement
when dealing with asthma. Older kids should be actively included
in all discussions and treatment choices because they're the
ones who ultimately have to deal with side effects and daily
compliance.
- Uncontrolled asthma can lead to depression and low
self-esteem. These feelings may manifest in emotional outbursts
and poor school performance. However, early intervention by a
school counselor, teacher, or physician can encourage compliance
with doctors' orders and help keep your teen's asthma
under control.
- Teens with asthma should be encouraged to live as normal a
life as possible with the help of medications and thoughtful
limitations. Some teens tend to shy away from normal activities
such as sports and even school dances because they're afraid
of having a flare-up. Others learn to use asthma as an excuse for
getting out of activities and chores. Teens should understand how
monitoring medication and breathing will let them do just about
anything.
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: May 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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