teen health, adolescent

Teen health including physical and psychological health is a major concern of every family. Teenage or adolescence is the stage of human life between the ages of 13 to 19.

Some authorities extend the period on either side by one or two years but there is no point indulging in hair splitting argument.

This represents the transition from childhood to adulthood. Teen health is important because of profound physical, emotional and physiological changes which take place during this period.

This phase of life can be turbulent for many and poses serious challenges to parents. Parents are often aghast at the behavioral changes of their adolescent children and unless mentally prepared they may strain relationship with their children.

We often forget our own adolescent period and wonder why they are behaving differently. It is important to remember that these changes are brought about by hormones and the adolescent often does not understand what is happening to him.

Physical changes: One of the most striking features of teenage period is the growth spurt. During adolescence the rate of height gain markedly increases compared to childhood.

The total height gained varies depending upon racial and genetic factors. The linear growth velocity reaches its peak during mid adolescence comes down till the adult height is reached.

Another important aspect of teen health is the onset of secondary sex characteristics. In females it starts with the development of breasts followed by menarche. The age of onset of menarche varies widely the earliest being somewhere between 9 to 10 years. It usually starts two years after the appearance of breast buds.

If a girl has not attained menarche when she is 16 years consultation is required. Sometimes it starts earlier than expected taking parents and the girls by surprise.

If parents have not prepared the girl she may feel scared and embarrassed. It is better to inform girls well in advance about this event.

Pubic hairs also start developing during adolescence. Slight watery vaginal discharge is normal and needs no treatment. However if the discharge is yellowish or greenish, has foul small or is associated with itching consultation is required.

In the beginning the menstrual cycles can be irregular and there is no need to worry unless the menstruation is unduly prolonged. The initial menstrual cycles are usually not associated with ovulation (anovulatory cycles)

Some teenage girls suffer from a condition called imperforate hymen. The hymen is a thin membrane in the vagina. It usually has a crescent shaped opening through which blood comes out during menstrual cycle. In this condition the membrane does not have any opening and hence blood cannot come out.

The condition is suspected whenever an adolescent girl has periodic abdominal pain but no overt bleeding. Examination reveals a bulging membrane in the vagina. The treatment is simple. The membrane is cut open.

In adolescent males puberty is heralded by appearance of hairs on the face, chest and pubic area along with increase in the size of external genitalia and change in voice. Wet dreams due to ejaculation at night are common. Some boys develop slight breast enlargement which is normal.

SBI!

About teen health, problems of teenage and management