Teens and Asthma

There are millions of teenagers with asthma. In California alone, nearly one-fifth, more than half a million teens reported having been diagnosed with asthma at some point in their lives. If you are a teen with asthma, you may already know a great deal about your asthma, but may still have a few questions that you need answered.

Q: Where does asthma come from?

A: Not all the answers are known, but several factors such as family health history, allergies, the environment, and air pollution can contribute to the development of asthma.

Q: How will I know if I have asthma?

A: You will experience warning signs that may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, often caused by triggers. If you think you may have asthma, see your doctor for proper diagnosis.

Q: What can trigger an asthma attack?

A: Triggers are different for everyone. They can include a change in weather, air pollution, tobacco, secondhand smoke, grass, trees, pollen, lung infections, exercise, other medications and foods.

Q: How do I manage my asthma?

A: The first thing is to know your triggers and warning signs. Do not smoke. You should have a peak fl ow meter - a device used to measure lung volume. Know the correct technique to use your medication inhaler and have a controller medication and carry your fast acting reliever/bronchodilator with you at all times. If your attacks are exercise induced, premedicate fi fteen minutes prior to exercise with your reliever/bronchodilator.

Q: Can I bring my inhaler to school?

A: Yes. California law states that schools must allow the use of inhalers with written permission from your health care provider and parent/guardian. Written permission is also required from your health care provider and parent/guardian in order to carry your inhaler with you. Otherwise the inhaler may be stored in the school offi ce.

Q: I've heard that Steroids are sometimes taken for asthma but that they can also be bad for your health. What do I need to know?

A: Corticosteroids are used for asthmatics to decrease infl amed/swollen tissue in the lungs. Anabolic steroids are chemicals which are responsible for male enhancing characteristics. Corticosteroids have none of the effects of anabolic steroids.

Q: What do I do if I have an attack without an inhaler?

A: Get help as soon as possible. Twenty-five percent of deaths from acute asthma happen within one hour of the onset of the attack, although it is rare among teens. Remain calm because asthma worsens with panic. Slow your breathing as much as you can by using the pursed lip breathing technique (in through your nose, and out through your mouth). Go quickly to your doctor's offi ce or an emergency room. If you call 911 do not hang up.

Q: Will my asthma ever go away? Can it be cured?

A: There is no cure for asthma. Some youth appear to stop having symptoms but it can come back at any time.

Q: Do the different forms of tobacco make a difference?

A: All types of tobacco and secondhand smoke are hazardous. Cigarette and marijuana smoke is very hot and as you inhale you cause damage to your lungs. Tobacco smoked through a hookah pipe is cooler but are inhaled deeper into the lungs also causing damage. All smoke has carbon monoxide and it binds with your hemoglobin in your blood and therefore there is less room for oxygen.

Created by Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails in colaboration with the Teen Asthma Taks Force and Asthma Collaborative and made possible by a grant from Citygroup Foundation/Smith Barney.

1-877-3-BREATHE
www.breathecalifornia.org