From Acne to Anxiety: Diseases in Teenagers

Teenage years are an awkward transitional period from childhood to adulthood. So, naturally, there are a lot of hormonal imbalances that present themselves as various disorders, ranging from acne to anxiety. This article will delve into the various diseases teens and their parents should be aware of, their symptoms, and what to do about them.

1. Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a skin condition presented by red or white bumps on the skin, often the face or back, due to the clogging of hair follicles under the skin. 

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2. ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is amongst the most common neurobehavioral disorders that affect young children and adolescents. This usually is seen in children that fidget, tend to move around in their seat, or have difficulties paying attention.

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3. Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition when the body does not produce an adequate amount of red blood cells. Causes include other disorders in which anemia is a symptom, rapid growth spurts, and menstrual cycles. It primarily affects young women and teenagers, though anyone can develop the disorder.

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4. Anxiety + Depression

Anxiety is a mental disorder in which one fears irrational things and is constantly stressed. Depression is characterized by a prolonged feeling of sadness or hopelessness. 

Read about the neuroscience behind depression

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5. Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition in which one becomes short of breath quickly into physical activity. Like many of the disorders on this list, the exact cause of asthma is unknown, though specialists assume it is connected to allergies, obesity, exposure to cigarette smoke, premature birth or low birth weight, or even certain viral infections. Triggers cause an asthma flare-up in which one's airways become inflamed and filled with mucus, blocking the passage of air.

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6. Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a behavioral condition with no certain cause that develops at a young age. It inhibits one's ability to understand and interpret other's emotions but often promotes one's music, math, science, etc. abilities. As "Spectrum" implies, those with ASD can have it to varying degrees; some may need assistance in their day-to-day, while others can fare on their own. Symptoms usually present themselves before the age of 3. 

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7. HPV

Human Papilloma Virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease responsible for the onset of many cancers such as cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, anal cancer, vaginal cancer, and penile cancer. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact, via cuts and tears in the skin, and sexual intercourse. 

Read more 

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8. IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a digestive disorder that causes bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain when triggered by certain foods. Many adolescent girls suffer from IBS, often chalking symptoms up to their menstrual period. However, when addressed, stomach pain can be entirely relieved. 

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9. Obesity + Diabetes

Nearly 30% of teens aged 12 to 19 are pre-diabetic. Over 22% of teens aged 12 to 19 are obese. Obesity is caused by multifarious factors: hormones, genetics, and environment. Generally, when one consumes more than the body burns, they will gain weight. Overtime, this develops into obesity. Diabetes develops due to an inefficiency of one's insulin to remove the glucose from one's bloodstream and deliver it to their cells.

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10. Sinus Infection

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is caused by the build up of fluid in one's sinuses that enables various bacteria to grow.  

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11. Strep Throat

Strep throat is a respiratory tract bacterial infection that appears as a sore throat and, in more extreme cases, a fever. Because of cramped school environments, strep can spread rapidly through children populations. Luckily, it often subsides in less than two weeks.

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12. Tourette Syndrome

Tourette's is a neurological disorder that causes one to have tics, or sudden, uncontrollable movements or sounds. Symptoms usually develop by the age of 6. Though the cause is unknown, many assume it is connected to genetic factors, environmental factors, and a chemical imbalance in the brain causing irregular neurotransmitter action, according to Mayo Clinic.

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Written By: Siena