Teens suffer from a wide variety of chronic conditions such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, and acne. Your pediatrician can help you and your teen manage these conditions. Dr. Turner Lewis at Childrens Medical Clinics in Kaufman, TX, offers chronic condition management and other comprehensive medical services for children and teens.

What You Need to Know about Management of Chronic Conditions in Teens

Chronic conditions are medical problems your teen has to live with, and proper management can help. Let's look at a few of the most common chronic conditions affecting teens, and how to manage them.

Allergies

Allergies are a common chronic condition affecting everyone, including teens. Your teen needs allergy testing to find out the source of the allergy. When your teen knows what causes an allergic response, your teen can avoid the substance.

In addition, your child's pediatrician at Childrens Medical Clinics in Kaufman, TX may prescribe:

• Allergy injections
• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal sprays
• Lifestyle and environmental modifications to allergen exposure

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that often accompanies allergies. When exposed to an allergen, your teen may experience an asthma attack, causing difficulty breathing.

To manage asthma, your child's pediatrician may prescribe:

• Short-acting rescue inhalers for acute symptoms
• Long-term asthma management medication
• Lifestyle and environmental modifications

Diabetes

Diabetes is another chronic condition which affects everyone, including teens. Your teen needs to monitor blood sugar levels and adjust their diet accordingly to reduce blood sugar levels.

In addition, your child's doctor may recommend:

• Insulin for type I diabetes, to lower blood sugar levels
• Medications for all types of diabetes, to control blood sugar levels
• Dietary modifications to reduce sugar intake
• Exercise modifications to maintain a healthy weight

Acne

Acne is a common chronic skin condition which can be caused by hormonal fluctuations during puberty. It is the most common skin condition affecting teens.

Dr. Lewis may prescribe:

• Oral medications to reduce bacteria which can cause acne
• Topical medications to decrease excess oil and unblock pores
• Birth control pills to help stabilize hormone levels

Want to Know More about Management of Chronic Conditions in Teens?

To learn more about the management of chronic conditions in teens, call Dr. Lewis at Childrens Medical Clinics in Kaufman, TX. You can reach him in either office location by calling (972) 932-1319.