Brochure - Asthma Victoria return to brochure list understanding the teenager with asthma Asthma is the most common chronic illness in teenagers. It can affect study, sport and social activities if not well managed. The teenage years are also known as adolescence.
Most young people survive adolescence without major problems.
Some, however, do experience difficulties negotiating these years. 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.