Asthma and Teenagers in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Asthma is common among teenagers across the United States, and West Michigan is no exception. Cold Grand Rapids winters, seasonal allergies, and indoor air quality can all make asthma symptoms worse. With the right plan and support, you can keep your asthma under control so it doesn’t interfere with school, work, sports, or hanging out with friends.

In Grand Rapids, teens with asthma can get care and support from local providers like Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Mercy Health, and public health resources like the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health.

Living an Active Life With Asthma

Having asthma doesn’t mean you have to stop doing what you love. Many top American athletes have asthma and still compete at an elite level. With good asthma control, you should be able to:

  • Play school or club sports
  • Exercise at the gym or outdoors (even in Michigan’s cold weather, with precautions)
  • Participate in band, theater, or other activities
  • Keep up with school and part-time work

The key is learning how to manage your asthma and working closely with your healthcare team in Grand Rapids.

Make Regular Asthma Checkups a Priority

Asthma can change over time, especially during the teenage years. It’s recommended that you have an asthma review at least twice a year.

Where to Go in Grand Rapids

You can schedule an asthma review with:

  • Your primary care doctor or pediatrician
  • A pulmonologist (lung specialist) at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • A school-based health center (available in some Grand Rapids Public Schools)
  • Community clinics supported by the Kent County Health Department

At your asthma review, talk with your doctor about:

  • How often you have symptoms (coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath)
  • Whether your symptoms get worse in winter, with exercise, or during pollen season
  • Any recent asthma flare-ups or emergency room visits
  • Your current medications and how well they’re working
  • Your written asthma action plan

Understand and Avoid Your Asthma Triggers

Asthma triggers are things that make your symptoms start or get worse. In Grand Rapids and West Michigan, common asthma triggers for teenagers include:

  • Cold air, especially during winter or when you exercise outdoors
  • Seasonal allergies (tree pollen in spring, grass in summer, ragweed in late summer/fall)
  • Indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander
  • Respiratory infections, which are more common in the colder months
  • Cigarette smoke and vaping (including secondhand smoke)
  • Strong smells (perfume, cleaning products, sprays)
  • Air pollution or poor air quality days (including smoke from regional wildfires)

Steps You Can Take

  • Work with your doctor to identify your personal triggers.
  • Try to avoid triggers when possible, except for exercise (exercise is important for your health).
  • Wash bedding regularly and keep your room clean to reduce dust and allergens.
  • Avoid smoking and vaping, and try to stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • During high-pollen days or very cold, windy days, consider exercising indoors.

Even things like pet hair on clothes or furniture can trigger asthma in some people, so pay attention to how your body reacts.

Always Carry Your Reliever Inhaler

Your reliever medication (often a blue puffer) quickly opens your airways when you have symptoms. It’s essential to keep it with you at all times:

  • In your backpack or sports bag at school
  • In your pocket or purse when you’re out with friends
  • At practices, games, and workouts
  • At work or after-school activities

Use a Spacer for Better Control

Using a spacer with your puffer helps more medication reach your lungs. You don’t have to use a large “football” spacer—there are:

  • Smaller plastic spacers that fit in a backpack or pencil case
  • Disposable cardboard spacers that can fit in a pocket for hikes or school trips

Ask your doctor or pharmacist in Grand Rapids to show you how to use a spacer correctly.

Know Your Asthma Action Plan

An asthma action plan is a written guide that explains:

  • Your daily medications (especially any preventer inhaler you use every day)
  • What to do when you have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms
  • When to use your reliever inhaler
  • When to call your doctor or 911

Make sure you:

  • Understand every step of your asthma action plan
  • Keep a copy on your phone and a printed copy at home
  • Share it with your parents or guardians, school nurse, coaches, and close friends

Take Your Preventer Medication as Prescribed

If your doctor has prescribed a preventer inhaler (often an inhaled corticosteroid), it’s important to:

  • Take it every day, even when you feel well
  • Understand that it can take several weeks to fully work
  • Keep taking it long term to reduce inflammation and keep your airways healthy

With regular use of your preventer medication:

  • You’re less likely to have asthma attacks
  • You may need your reliever inhaler less often
  • You can usually stay more active and participate fully in sports and school

Asthma and Exercise for Grand Rapids Teens

Exercise is important, even if you have asthma. You should be able to exercise as often as you want when your asthma is well controlled.

Before You Exercise

If it’s written in your asthma action plan, you may be advised to:

  • Take your reliever medication up to 15 minutes before warming up to help keep your airways open—especially helpful in cold Michigan weather or during intense sports.

Always:

  • Warm up as usual before your main activity.
  • Keep your reliever inhaler (and spacer, if you use one) nearby on the sidelines.

During Exercise

  • Begin your activity.
  • If you notice any asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing), take your reliever medication right away.

Returning to Activity: The “2 Strikes and You’re Out” Rule

  • If your symptoms go away after using your reliever, you can go back to exercise.
  • If your asthma symptoms come back a second time during the same activity:
    • Stop the activity.
    • Take your reliever medication again.
    • Do not return to that activity for the rest of the day.

After Exercise

  • Cool down as usual.
  • Continue to watch for symptoms—asthma can flare up up to 30 minutes after you stop being active.
  • If you regularly get symptoms during or after exercise, see your doctor. Your treatment plan or medications may need to be adjusted.

Teach Your Friends Asthma First Aid

It’s helpful if the people around you know what to do during an asthma flare-up. Teach your:

  • Friends
  • Teammates
  • Roommates or siblings

Basic asthma first aid includes:

  • Helping you sit upright and stay calm
  • Helping you find and use your reliever inhaler and spacer
  • Knowing when to call 911 if your breathing does not improve

This can be especially important during sports practices, games, or outdoor activities around Grand Rapids, where you may be far from home.

When Asthma Is an Emergency

Call 911 immediately if:

  • You are struggling to breathe or can’t speak in full sentences
  • Your lips or face look blue or gray
  • Your symptoms are getting worse, even after using your reliever inhaler
  • You feel very drowsy, confused, or like “something is really wrong”

While waiting for emergency help:

  • Sit upright, don’t lie down
  • Use your reliever inhaler as directed in your asthma action plan
  • Stay with someone who can help and give information to paramedics

In Grand Rapids, emergency care is available at local hospitals such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health facilities.

Local Asthma Resources in Grand Rapids

If you’re a teenager with asthma in Grand Rapids, you can get help from:

  • Your primary care doctor or pediatrician
  • Pulmonologists at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Pharmacists at local pharmacies (they can show you how to use inhalers and spacers)
  • School nurse at your middle or high school
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs for asthma education and support

For general asthma information and support, you can also visit national resources such as:

  • Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
  • American Lung Association

Key Points for Grand Rapids Teens With Asthma

  • Find out what triggers your asthma symptoms and try to avoid those triggers when you can (except for exercise, which is encouraged).
  • Learn how to recognize early asthma symptoms to prevent a serious asthma attack.
  • Always carry your reliever inhaler (and spacer if you use one), and know how to use them correctly.
  • Begin your activity, and if you have any asthma symptoms, take your reliever medication right away.
  • You can return to exercise if your symptoms go away—but if they come back a second time, stop for the day.
  • If you regularly have symptoms with exercise, or your asthma is affecting your sleep, school, or activities, see your doctor in Grand Rapids for a review of your asthma action plan.

With the right care, medication, and support from local Grand Rapids healthcare providers, you can stay active, healthy, and in control of your asthma.