Asthma and Growing Up
As you grow, a lot changes, and so can your asthma. This chapter is about the transition into adult care: taking charge of your own asthma, the choices that affect your lungs, and your rights at school, college, and work.
What Changes During the Teen Years
Many things change during the teenage years and can lead to new or more noticeable asthma symptoms, including:
- Hormonal changes
- New behaviors and routines
- Changes in the activities you enjoy
- A shift in your medical team from pediatric care to adult care
Some programs and camps are designed to support this transition and help teens manage their asthma more independently. Two examples:
- Kickin’ Asthma (for adolescents 11 to 16 years)
- Young Teen Asthma and Wellness Camp (for adolescents 11 to 15 years; virtual)
Ask your medical team about local camps and support options for this transition, since availability varies by area.
Skills to Build
Taking charge of your own asthma care is a gradual process. Here is what is worth learning to know and do.
Know
- What asthma is
- What your triggers are
- The name and dosage of your medication
- How to manage asthma, including how to handle and clean devices
- The name and contact information of your healthcare provider
- When to seek medical help and when to go to the emergency room
Be able to
- Schedule and attend your own appointments
- Refill your medication on time
Lifestyle and Health Choices
As behaviors and routines shift from childhood into adulthood, it is important to understand how certain choices can affect asthma.
Smoking
- Can trigger asthma attacks and worsen symptoms.
Drugs
- Can trigger asthma attacks and worsen symptoms.
- Often leads to inconsistent use of asthma medication.
- Increases the risk of lung damage and infections like pneumonia.
Alcohol
- Can trigger asthma symptoms and lead to asthma attacks.
- Some people may react only to certain types of alcohol.
Contraception, Pregnancy, and Sexual Health
- Discuss birth control needs with your doctor.
- Physical activity, including physical intimacy, can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms because of the elevated heart rate and faster breathing involved.
- If you notice this, using a quick-relief inhaler beforehand may help, and it is worth discussing with your medical team.
- Open communication with a parent or your medical team is important, as asthma concerns in this area are common.
- Asthma may worsen during pregnancy, and some medications may need to be adjusted for safety.
School, College, and Work
School
You may qualify for school-based support that helps ensure equal access to education. Applying can be complex, but most schools have a staff member who can help. The AACAP has more information. Two main plans include:
- Individualized Education Program (IEP): offers tailored educational services, which may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech or language therapy, or a classroom aide.
- Section 504 plan: provides accommodations to remove learning barriers, such as extra test time, front-row seating, modified or reduced homework, or unrestricted bathroom access. Unlike an IEP, it does not include special instruction.
College
504 and IEP plans do not carry over to college. However, accommodations can be requested through the college’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office. Application information is available online.
Work
Disclosing asthma during a job interview is not required. After receiving a job offer, accommodations can be requested if needed. Legal protections from discrimination are provided by: