Asthma And Teenagers

Overview

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the small tubes in the lungs, called airways. When you have asthma, these airways can become inflamed and narrow when something irritates them, making it harder to breathe. In teenagers, asthma is very common and can be well managed with the right care and support.

Yes, asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in young people. Around 1 in 10 teenagers in the UK has asthma.

Asthma can start at any age, but it often begins in childhood. Many teenagers have asthma that continues into their teens, while some may be diagnosed for the first time during this period. It affects people of all backgrounds, and it can change in severity over time, especially during puberty.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Shortness of breath
• A feeling of tightness, heaviness, or pressure in the chest
• Coughing, especially at night, early morning, or during exercise

Symptoms in children

• Symptoms can come and go, and might be worse at night or after exercise.
• Some teenagers may feel embarrassed about using an inhaler in front of friends and want to skip doses.
• Symptoms can pop up during school sports, on cold days, or in dusty or smoky environments.
• A cough that won't go away can be the only sign of asthma in some young people.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults with asthma can have similar symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
• These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions like heart problems or COPD, so a thorough medical review is important.
• Asthma in older adults is often underdiagnosed and needs careful management, especially if it coexists with other health conditions.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it seems to come from a mix of genetic factors (things inherited from your parents) and environmental exposures.
• In asthma, the airways are extra sensitive and become inflamed when exposed to certain triggers.
• Triggers vary from person to person, so it's important to learn your own.

Risk factors

• Having a close family member with asthma, eczema, or allergies
• Having allergies, like hay fever or dust mite allergy
• Exposure to tobacco smoke, especially as a child or teenager
• Living with air pollution or frequent exposure to irritant chemicals
• Being overweight or having a body mass index (BMI) in a higher range
• Certain respiratory infections in childhood

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have symptoms that are getting worse despite using your reliever inhaler, or you need to use it more than usual, seek same-day medical advice from your doctor or local urgent care service.
• If you have severe breathlessness, blue lips, or cannot speak, call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your doctor or asthma nurse regularly for asthma reviews, at least once a year, even if you feel well.
• Make an appointment if you have to use your reliever inhaler more than twice a week, or if symptoms are disturbing your sleep, school, or sports.
• Ask for a review if your current treatment plan isn't working as well as before.

Diagnosis

A doctor (usually a GP or asthma specialist) will ask about your symptoms, family history, and any patterns you've noticed, then do breathing tests to measure how well your lungs are working.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry: you take a deep breath in and blow out as hard and fast as you can into a machine that measures lung capacity and airflow.
• Peak flow test: a small handheld device measures how fast you can blow air out. You may be asked to use this at home for a few weeks to monitor changes.
• FeNO test: you breathe into a machine that measures nitric oxide in your breath, which is higher when the airways are inflamed.
• Allergy tests: skin tests or blood tests may be used to check for allergies that can trigger asthma symptoms.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will listen to how you breathe, ask about your lifestyle and triggers, and explain what the test results mean. If asthma is diagnosed, they'll discuss your treatment options and create a personal asthma action plan together with you. You will also be told what to do if symptoms get worse.

Treatment

Asthma treatment is based on managing the two main problems: reducing inflammation in the airways and relieving symptoms when they happen. Most teenagers with asthma use inhalers, and the right combination can control symptoms so they can live normally.

Self-care at home

• Take your prescribed preventer inhaler every day, even when you feel well, to keep your airways calm.
• Always carry your reliever inhaler with you, and use it when you have symptoms, as advised by your doctor.
• Identify and avoid your personal triggers, such as smoke, dust, pollen, pet fur, or cold air.
• Use a peak flow meter at home if your doctor recommends it, to spot changes early.
• Keep your inhaler technique checked regularly—using it correctly makes a big difference.

Medical treatments

Treatment typically involves inhalers. A reliever inhaler works quickly to relax the airways and ease symptoms during an attack. A preventer inhaler is taken daily to reduce inflammation in the airways and stop symptoms from happening in the first place. Some people may use a combination inhaler, which contains both a preventive and a long-acting reliever. Your doctor may also suggest allergy treatments, such as antihistamines, or other inhaled medications if needed. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and not to stop or change medications without talking to them first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used as a treatment for asthma. Managing asthma is about the right medications, avoiding triggers, and having a good action plan.

Living with this condition

Living with asthma as a teenager means learning to manage it without letting it take over. Keep your inhaler where you can reach it quickly, follow your personal asthma action plan, and tell trusted friends, teachers, and coaches about your asthma so they can help if you feel unwell. You should still join in with school life, sports, and social events—asthma shouldn't stop you.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and vaping, and stay away from second-hand smoke.
• Keep up good sleep habits, as tiredness can make symptoms feel worse.
• Stay active with regular exercise to keep your lungs strong.
• If you have allergies, try to reduce exposure, like keeping windows closed during high pollen days.
• Learn to manage stress, since strong emotions can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms.

Diet and exercise

There is no special 'asthma diet,' but eating a balanced, healthy diet helps keep your body healthy. Regular exercise, like swimming, running, or yoga, is encouraged for people with asthma. If exercise triggers your symptoms, talk to your doctor—you may need to use your reliever inhaler before exercise or adjust your warm-up. Cold air can make symptoms worse, so try breathing through your nose and wearing a scarf over your mouth in winter.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having asthma can sometimes feel stressful, especially if you worry about an attack or feel different from friends. It's normal to feel that way. Talking to someone you trust—like a parent, school counselor, or your doctor—can really help. If feelings of anxiety or sadness are affecting your daily life, ask for support. You don't have to manage this alone.

Prevention

Asthma itself cannot always be prevented, and there is no cure yet. But you can do a lot to prevent symptoms and attacks by avoiding your personal triggers, taking your prescribed preventer medication, and following your written action plan.

Vaccines

It's a good idea to have recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, because infections like colds and flu can trigger asthma symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for asthma in the general population. However, if you have any symptoms—even mild ones—like a recurring cough, wheezing, or breathlessness during exercise, it is important to see a doctor and get a proper assessment.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent asthma symptoms that interfere with sleep, school, and physical activity
• More severe and sudden asthma attacks that may require emergency care
• Long-term inflammation can sometimes lead to permanent narrowing of the airways
• Emotional and psychological strain from 'managing alone' without a plan

Long-term outlook

The outlook for teenagers with asthma is very good. With the right treatment, good education, and a reliable support network, almost all teenagers with asthma can lead a full, active, and independent life. Many teens grow out of their asthma or find that it becomes much easier to manage as they get older.

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