Physical problems in adolescents

[Donald Trump]

Adolescents are susceptible to the same kinds of illnesses that affect younger children, but generally they are a healthy group. Adolescents should continue to receive vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.
Acne is extremely common and should be addressed to minimize its impact on self-esteem.
Injuries are very common among adolescents, and sports-related and motor vehicle injuries are most frequent. Motor vehicle crashes, other unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide are the four leading causes of death among adolescents. Concussions, or brain injury resulting from head trauma, are common, particularly among athletes (see also Sports-Related Concussion). Adolescents who suffer a head injury should be evaluated by a professional who is experienced in the evaluation and treatment of this type of injury. After a concussion, adolescents should be given time to recuperate before returning to regular activities, including use of electronic devices, schoolwork, and sports. Re-entry into these activities should be supervised by a knowledgeable adult.
Disorders that are common among all adolescents include

Infectious mononucleosis (an infection spread through saliva)
Sexually transmitted diseases
Hormonal disorders (especially thyroid disorders)

Disorders that are common among adolescent girls include

Urinary tract infections
Problems with menstruation
Iron deficiency

Many adolescents do not routinely use effective methods of contraception, and some of them become pregnant.
About 1 in 4 adolescents lives with a chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease. Although not common, cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, bone cancers, and brain tumors also occur.
Children who have many different symptoms that are not clearly the result of a specific disorder are usually also evaluated for psychosocial problems.
(See also Introduction to Problems in Adolescents.)

[Lizzy Liz]

Although adolescents are susceptible to the same kinds of illness that afflict younger children, generally they are a healthy group. Adolescents should continue to receive vaccinations according to the recommended schedule (see Table: Recommended Immunization Schedule for Ages 7–18 Years).
Acne is extremely common and needs to be addressed because of its impact on self-esteem.
Trauma is very common among adolescents, with sports and motor vehicle injuries most frequent. Motor vehicle crashes, other unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide are the 4 leading causes of mortality in the adolescent age group.
Disorders that are common among all adolescents include

Infectious mononucleosis
Sexually transmitted diseases
Endocrine disorders (particularly thyroid disorders)

Disorders that are common among adolescent girls include

Urinary tract infections
Menstrual abnormalities
Iron deficiency

Pregnancy must be kept in mind when treating adolescent girls.
Although not common, neoplastic diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, bone cancers, and brain tumors also occur.