Does chest tightness indicate worsening asthma in teenagers?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 17-year-old brother has had asthma since childhood, but lately, he has been having severe attacks more often. He has also been getting chest tightness when he tries to play sports, which he loves. He is scared of using too many medicines because he thinks they are bad for him in the long run.

Is chest tightness a sign that his asthma is getting worse?
Can asthma go away if you treat it well?
He has trouble sleeping because of wheezing at night. Should we change his sleeping position?
Can stress make asthma worse because he has exams coming up soon?
Is there something natural or herbal that can help him breathe easier?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

It sounds like your brother’s asthma (a chronic disease that affects the airways of your lungs) may not be well-controlled, especially if he is experiencing more frequent attacks, chest tightness during sports, and wheezing at night. These are signs that his asthma could be worsening, and it is important to work with his doctor to adjust his asthma treatment plan.

Asthma can not be fully cured, but symptoms can be significantly reduced with proper management, and many people lead active, healthy lives. Your brother must understand that asthma medications, especially inhalers, are safe when used correctly and can prevent serious flare-ups. Long-term medication use, when prescribed, helps keep asthma under control and prevents damage to the lungs. Asthma can sometimes improve or seem less severe as a person ages, but it typically doesn't go away completely.

For the wheezing at night, he might benefit from propping up his head with extra pillows to help open his airways while sleeping, and keeping his room free from allergens can also help. Stress, especially during exams, can make asthma symptoms worse, so finding stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises or relaxation methods may be helpful. Some herbal remedies, like peppermint or ginger tea, may have mild soothing effects but should never replace prescribed medication.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.