Asthma in adolescence: Is there any news?

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic disease that has a significant impact quality of life, which is particularly important in adolescence. We will discuss aspects of epidemiology, the clinical spectrum, diagnostics, and management of asthma in adolescence. In particular, we will highlight the psychological implications of having asthma during this developmental period. Data published in the past 10 years, since we last reviewed the subject, will be the main focus of this paper. The care of the teenager with asthma should take into account the rapid physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes that occur during normal adolescence. The diagnostic process may be more difficult since teenagers tend to deny their illness. Thus, both under-diagnosis and under-assessment of asthma severity may lead to under-treatment and potentially avoidable morbidity and even mortality. Conversely, teenagers may be often misdiagnosed as having asthma or their asthma severity may be overestimated leading to inappropriate and sometimes excessive treatment. Educational programs, environmental avoidance measures, proper use of medications along with a skilled approach, and a caring attitude of health providers are all very important for successful management. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:129-138. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Understanding the challenges faced by adolescents and young adults with allergic conditions: A systematic review

“…Some age-specific factors may contribute to a lack of engagement with self-care, making adolescents and young adults more vulnerable and in need of additional targeted resources. [8][9][10][11] A desire for independence, autonomy and exploring their limits, along with a low-risk perception, can often lead to poor adherence, erratic self-medication and risk-taking behaviours. Peer pressure, denial, embarrassment and common misbeliefs regarding their conditions further contribute to poor self-management.…”

Health risk behaviors, violence exposure, and current asthma among adolescents in the United States

“…The determinants of the onset, persistence, and remission of asthma during childhood and adolescence are poorly characterized . Although adolescence is often linked to symptom improvement or remission of asthma, adolescents may engage in risky behaviors (ie, tobacco use and substance abuse) that have been associated with worse asthma outcomes, including poor symptom control and medication adherence, and lower health‐related quality of life . Puberty also affects the gender distribution of asthma during adolescence, with rising disease prevalence in girls between ages 10 and 17 years …”

“…tobacco use and substance abuse) that have been associated with worse asthma outcomes, including poor symptom control and medication adherence, and lower health-related quality of life. [6][7][8][9] Puberty also affects the gender distribution of asthma during adolescence, with rising disease prevalence in girls between ages 10 and 17 years. [10][11] We aimed to assess the relation between health risk behaviors (eg, marijuana use, dietary patterns) or psychosocial stressors (eg, exposure to violence and victimization) and current asthma among high school adolescents in the United States.…”

Impact of asthma and its medication on salivary characteristics and oral health in adolescents: A cross‐sectional comparative study

“…The natural course of asthma is heterogeneous and dynamic with remission, especially in adolescents, with reported rates from 16% to 60%. Adolescence with asthma mostly require long‐term medication 26 . Thus, asthma care represents a significant economic and social burden, accounting for numerous hospitalizations stays and missed days of school and work 27,28 .…”

“…Thus, asthma care represents a significant economic and social burden, accounting for numerous hospitalizations stays and missed days of school and work 27,28 . There is often a pattern of irregular meals, frequent snacking, and consumption of higher amounts of confectionery with a corresponding decrease in consumption of healthier foods 26 . As supervised home toothbrushing sessions and professional care may decrease in frequency, there may be an increase in potential for dental caries and periodontal disease.…”