Asthma and self-management: Improving support for teenagers

Abstract

The prevalence and severity of allergic diseases is still rising in those aged 11–25 years ( Venkataraman et al, 2018 ; Mallol et al, 2019 ). An estimated 800 000 teenagers in the UK have asthma. This figure could be higher as teenagers can have undiagnosed asthma ( Siersted et al, 1998 ; BTS/SIGN, 2019). A person-centred approach to all aspects of care is central to supporting adolescents to self-manage their asthma and therefore minimise concerns around morbidity and mortality. School nurses have a key role in communicating strategies that support self-management, and the use of tools can be helpful.