Asthma is a lung condition that affects people of all ages, and causes airway inflammation when triggered by allergens or exercise. According to the National Institute of Health website Medline Plus, nearly nine million children under the age of 18 suffer from asthma. Asthma is a serious disease that can kill if ignored. Symptom recognition is critical, and with proper treatment teens with asthma can live normal and fully active lives.
Coughing
Coughing is one of the most common symptoms associated with asthma in teens, according to the "A Healthy Me" website produced by Massachusetts Blue Cross and Blue Shield. For many, coughing is worse at night and can make sleeping tough, although some experience daytime coughing that can interfere with normal activities.
The Asthma Initiative of Michigan states that colds and other respiratory infections often trigger asthma attacks. Teens should suspect asthma and see a doctor if coughing continues more than seven days after an illness has begun, or if coughing occurs following exercise.
Chest Tightening
Many teens report chest pain or the feeling of tightness near and around the chest, according to Kids Health. If a cold lasts for more than 10 days and moves into the chest, or if it is difficult to breathe out, a doctor should get involved, according to the Asthma Initiative of Michigan.
Wheezing
Described as loud or noisy breathing caused by air moving through narrowed airways, wheezing is another common symptom associated with teen asthma. Similar to coughing, many teens experience an increase in wheezing during the night, according to Teen Health.
Warning Signs
Asthma attacks rarely happen without warning, according to the Asthma Initiative of Michigan. Although mild and seemingly unrelated, they may appear one to two days prior to an asthma attack. Warning signs can include an itchy chin, an itchy or scratchy throat, increased tiredness and deep under eye circles. Cold symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, headache and fever may also be asthma warning signs. An eczema flare up, change in face color, and "yellow" zone peak flow readings, are other signs of an imminent asthma attack. Treat warning signs as if they were asthma symptoms.
Symptoms Requiring Medical Intervention
If lips and nail beds become a bluish gray color, a doctor should be called as this is a sign that insufficient oxygen is circulating in the blood. Difficulty walking and talking, and difficulty breathing such that nostrils flare and the skin between the ribs or above the breastbone sucks in when taking a breath, is another sign that medical intervention is necessary. In addition, if peak flow readings are in the red, and quick-relief medications fail to improve the situation, seek emergency attention immediately.
