What are the symptoms of asthma in adolescents and when should you bring them in for asthma diagnosis and treatment?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can affect people at any age; identifying and managing asthma is especially important for adolescents’ overall health and well-being. What are the asthma symptoms to watch out for and when should you bring your adolescent in for diagnosis and treatment?

Symptoms of asthma in adolescents include:

• Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing due to narrowed airways caused by inflammation.
• Coughing, especially in the evening or at night, or when accompanied by physical activity. Coughs related to asthma can be dry or paired with increased mucus production.
• Shortness of breath or feeling like you can’t get a deep breath, particularly during physical activity or when exposed to allergens.
• Tightness in the chest, usually with shallow breathing or discomfort in the chest area.
• Fatigue despite adequate rest. A decline in physical performance can also be a symptom of asthma in adolescents.

If you notice symptoms of asthma in your adolescent, it’s time to bring them to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. This is especially true if you notice symptoms that persist or recur, even if they seem mild. An early asthma evaluation can improve long-term management and prevent symptoms from worsening. Other signs that it’s time to see a doctor include:

• Daily activities that are impacted or impaired due to symptoms, especially sports, exercise or school activities.
• Disrupted sleep or nighttime wakings can indicate uncontrolled asthma and impact daytime functioning.
• A severe asthma attack characterized by rapid breathing, difficulty breathing or discoloration of the lips or facial tissues. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Adolescents may complain of asthma symptoms, or you may notice them yourself. Either way, if your adolescent has symptoms of asthma, a timely diagnosis can mean the difference between effective management or a lifetime of negative impacts. A family physician can evaluate asthma symptoms, perform diagnostic tests, prescribe management medication and develop an individualized treatment plan to help your adolescent manage their asthma and enjoy a healthy, active, fulfilling life. To schedule a visit with Westgate Family Physicians call (864) 574-0070.