Asthma affects over 1 million children in the UK, making it one of the most common chronic conditions in young people. As children grow into teenagers and prepare for adulthood, developing self-management skills becomes increasingly important. But how do we help young people take control of their asthma without overwhelming them?
Why Self-Management Matters
Research consistently shows that young people who actively manage their asthma have:
- Fewer asthma attacks
- Less time off school
- Better quality of life
- More confidence in social situations
- Smoother transition to adult healthcare
The teenage years are a critical window for developing these skills. Young people are naturally seeking independence, and supporting them to manage their health fits naturally with this developmental stage.
Age-Appropriate Approaches
Ages 8-11: Building Foundations
At this age, children can begin to:
- Recognise their symptoms - Understanding what "tight chest" or "wheezy" feels like
- Use their inhaler correctly - Practicing good technique with supervision
- Know their triggers - Identifying what makes their asthma worse
- Speak up when they're unwell - Telling a trusted adult when they need help
How the Asthma Passport helps: Children can explore their passport with a parent, learning about their condition in child-friendly language.
Ages 12-14: Growing Independence
Early teenagers can take on more responsibility:
- Managing their own inhaler - Carrying it themselves and knowing when to use it
- Understanding their action plan - Knowing the steps to follow when symptoms worsen
- Communicating with healthcare professionals - Speaking directly in appointments (not just through parents)
- Making good choices - Avoiding triggers and managing risks
How the Asthma Passport helps: Teenagers can have their own access to the app, reviewing their information independently and feeling ownership of their care.
Ages 15-18: Preparing for Adulthood
Older teenagers should be ready to:
- Order and collect prescriptions - Managing their medication supply
- Book and attend appointments - Taking charge of their healthcare interactions
- Recognise deterioration - Knowing when to seek help and acting on it
- Manage asthma in different situations - Work, university, travel, relationships
How the Asthma Passport helps: The passport prepares young people for adult healthcare by putting them in control of their health information.
Practical Tips for Parents
1. Step Back Gradually
Self-management is a gradual process. Start by:
- Letting your child take their own inhaler (while you watch)
- Asking them questions rather than telling them answers
- Praising their efforts, even when they make mistakes
2. Use Natural Opportunities
Link asthma management to everyday life:
- Before sport: "What do you need to do before training?"
- When symptoms appear: "What does your action plan say?"
- At medical appointments: "What would you like to ask the doctor?"
3. Accept Imperfection
Teenagers will forget their inhaler sometimes. They might not always recognise their symptoms. This is normal. Focus on building habits over time rather than expecting perfection.
4. Stay Available
Independence doesn't mean abandonment. Let your teenager know you're always there if they need help, even as they take on more responsibility.
Common Challenges
"I don't want to be different"
Many teenagers hide their asthma because they don't want to stand out. Help by:
- Normalising asthma - it's incredibly common
- Pointing out role models with asthma (athletes, celebrities)
- Discussing it matter-of-factly rather than making it a big deal
"I forget to take my preventer"
Adherence to preventer inhalers is notoriously difficult. Try:
- Linking it to an existing habit (brushing teeth)
- Using phone reminders
- Keeping the inhaler somewhere visible
"I don't think I need it anymore"
Feeling well can lead to complacency. Explain that:
- Preventers work by preventing symptoms - no symptoms means they're working
- Stopping suddenly can lead to serious flare-ups
- Any changes should be discussed with their healthcare team
The Role of Technology
Young people are digital natives, and technology can support asthma self-management in several ways:
Digital Health Passports
The TMA Asthma Passport puts all essential information in one place:
- Personalised action plan
- Medication list
- Trigger information
- Emergency contacts
Accessible on their phone, it's always with them when they need it.
Symptom Tracking
Some young people find it helpful to track symptoms, peak flow, or medication use. This creates data they can discuss with their healthcare team.
Reminders and Alerts
Phone apps can remind young people to take medication, attend appointments, or order prescriptions.
When to Worry
While encouraging independence, it's important to know when to step back in:
- If asthma control is deteriorating significantly
- If your teenager is avoiding activities due to asthma
- If they're using their reliever inhaler very frequently
- If they seem anxious or distressed about their condition
These situations warrant a conversation with their healthcare team.
Supporting the Transition to Adult Services
At around age 16-18, young people transfer from paediatric to adult healthcare services. The Asthma Passport supports this transition by:
- Providing a complete health record they can share with new providers
- Building familiarity with managing their own health information
- Ensuring continuity even when healthcare teams change
Conclusion
Developing self-management skills is one of the most important things we can do for young people with asthma. It's not about leaving them to cope alone, but about equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage their condition throughout their lives.
The Asthma Passport is designed to support this journey, putting young people in control of their health information while providing a safety net of professional guidance.
If your child has asthma and you'd like to learn more about the Asthma Passport, speak to their asthma nurse or consultant, or contact us for more information.
Dr James Chen
Paediatric Respiratory Consultant
Dr James Chen is dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for children with long-term conditions.