Having asthma can add to these difficulties. An understanding of the normal stages of adolescent development may help parents and carers of teenagers with asthma to recognise the influence of these factors on a teenager's attitude to asthma. Physically, these teenagers deal with a range of body changes and sensations. High levels of physical activity and mood swings are common. There is increasing participation in peer group activities with less reliance on the family.
Asthma management can become a low priority as the teenager is very concerned to be 'normal'.
Teenagers need their independence and are less influenced by parental authority. This can cause strain on relationships and communication can become hard. Parents have a strong desire for involvement in the life of the teenager at a time when teenagers have an equally strong desire for privacy. Teenagers no longer want to be treated as children. Young people at this age are focused on education and work, lifestyles and relationships.