Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS
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a m h t s and A Take Charge
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
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aving asthma can be tough. You might feel different from your friends. You might get angry that you have to think about your breathing and remember your rescue medicine wherever you go. You might even feel lonely because it seems like you’re the only one who has a problem.
action plan work best for you, including what you can do to make treatment at school less of a hassle. For example, you may be able to take controller medications at home so you don’t have to bother with remembering them at school. You’ll want your rescue medicine with you at school, of course.
But lots of teens have asthma. And by keeping it under control, you reduce the risk of having a bad flareup and having to rush off to the school nurse, your doctor’s office, or the emergency department.
Tips for School You can also take these steps to help get a handle on your asthma at school:
Take Charge Taking the medicine your doctor has prescribed — exactly as he or she prescribed it — is the best way to control asthma. Your doctor will work with you to create and implement an asthma action plan that takes into account your school schedule and activities. This written plan may include all your medications and when and how you should take them, things to watch out for that can trigger an asthma flare-up, early symptoms of a flare-up, what to do if you have a flare-up, and when to seek emergency care. The plan might also tell you how and when to use a peak flow meter and tips about asthma and exercise. Your doctor will talk to you about how to make the 18 For All Ages! | www.FloridaCreativeLiving.com
Talk to your teachers, coaches, and friends. The more people who know about your asthma, the more help you’ll have in coping with it. You don’t have to make a big deal about it, but letting people know means they can help you out. For example, your homeroom teacher will understand your request to close the windows when the pollen count is high and your gym teacher will know that you can’t run outside in really cold weather. And by telling your friends, you may find you’re not as alone as you thought — millions of teens have asthma, and some of your classmates probably do, too. CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE