How much of a threat is asthma to a thirteen year old boy?

Depends: There are no medical threats peculiar to this age. Inspiring a teento take ownership of a chronic illness like asthma can be a challenge. Some 13 year-old boys are mature; others are more dependent on parental guidance. Peer pressure, the need to fit in, & a sense of invulnerability are additional challenges for this age group. These factors effect whether daily medications will be taken daily.

Depends on allergies: Mild, exercise-induced asthma is often not much of a threat and goes away in adulthood. But if allergies are causing the breathing problems, which is common at this age, neglecting treatment of the underlying allergies can lead to progressive worsening of the asthma. Any teenager who wheezes should be evaluated by an allergist, to prevent further problems down the road.

Dr Pizzo and another doctor agreed