TeenThreads mission: No shame. No panic. Just clear health facts that help teens understand symptoms, prevent problems, and know when to get help.

Important: This page is educational and does not replace medical care. If symptoms are severe, sudden, or scary, get help right away.

Quick Jump

• Normal vs Not-Normal (Red Flags)
• 15 Common Conditions (Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment Basics)
• Prevention Power List
• When to See a Clinician
• Trusted Resources (Active Links)

Often Normal (Common, Still Annoying)

• Occasional colds, mild headaches, mild acne, mild seasonal allergies
• Stress during exams or life changes (that improves with rest/support)
• Growing pains or soreness after sports (that improves with time)

Get Checked Soon (Red Flags)

• Fever that is high, lasts several days, or comes with severe weakness
• Breathing trouble, wheezing, chest tightness, or lips/face turning bluish
• Severe dehydration (very little pee, dizziness, fainting)
• Severe headaches with confusion, weakness, stiff neck, or repeated vomiting
• Sadness/anxiety that lasts weeks, worsens, or affects eating/sleep/school
• Any sign of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction): trouble breathing, swelling of lips/face/tongue, widespread hives, fainting

Emergency help (U.S.): Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms.
For immediate emotional support, call or text 988 or visit
988lifeline.org.

1) Common Cold

What it is: A viral infection that causes runny/stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue.
Often normal: Mild fever, congestion, symptoms improving within about a week.
Get checked: Trouble breathing, symptoms that worsen after improving, severe ear/sinus pain, or dehydration.

MedlinePlus – Common Cold
CDC – Common Cold

2) Influenza (Flu)

What it is: A respiratory virus that can cause fever, body aches, chills, cough, and exhaustion.
Often normal: Feeling very tired for several days; cough can linger.
Get checked: Breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, or high-risk conditions (like asthma).

CDC – Flu
MedlinePlus – Influenza (Flu)

3) Allergies (Seasonal & Environmental)

What it is: The immune system reacts to pollen, dust mites, mold, or pets, causing sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion.
Often normal: Symptoms come and go with seasons or exposure.
Get checked: Wheezing, breathing trouble, or symptoms not controlled with a plan.

MedlinePlus – Allergies
CDC – Triggers (includes allergens)

4) Rhinitis (Allergic or Non-Allergic)

What it is: Inflammation of the nose causing runny/stuffy nose and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis is “hay fever.” Non-allergic rhinitis can be triggered by irritants like smoke or strong smells.
Get checked: Symptoms that last a long time, disrupt sleep, or come with frequent sinus infections.

MedlinePlus Encyclopedia – Allergic Rhinitis
MedlinePlus Encyclopedia – Rhinitis (overview)

5) Sinuses & Sinusitis

What it is: Sinusitis is inflammation/infection of the sinus cavities, often after a cold or from allergies. It can cause facial pressure, thick discharge, and cough that’s worse at night.
Often normal: Mild sinus pressure with a cold that improves as the cold improves.
Get checked: Severe facial pain, high fever, symptoms lasting a long time, or symptoms that worsen after improving.

MedlinePlus – Sinusitis
CDC – Sinus Infection (Antibiotic Use)

6) Asthma

What it is: A condition where airways become inflamed and narrow, causing wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath.
Often normal: Symptoms triggered by exercise, colds, or allergies that improve with a prescribed plan.
Get checked urgently: Trouble speaking due to breathlessness, rapid breathing, blue lips/face, or rescue medicine not helping.

CDC – Asthma
MedlinePlus – Asthma

7) Acne

What it is: A very common skin condition driven by hormones, oil glands, and bacteria in pores.
Often normal: Mild breakouts that improve with gentle skin care and time.
Get checked: Painful cysts, scarring, or acne affecting mood and confidence (you deserve help).

MedlinePlus – Acne
FDA – Acne: What You Need to Know

8) Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

What it is: Itchy, inflamed skin often linked with allergies/asthma. Flare-ups can come from dry skin, soaps, stress, or weather.
Often normal: Flare-ups that improve with moisturizers and trigger control.
Get checked: Skin infection signs (oozing, increasing redness, fever) or severe itching affecting sleep.

MedlinePlus – Eczema
CDC – School Health & Asthma (allergy-related support)

9) Anxiety

What it is: A strong worry response that can show up in thoughts and in the body (tight chest, racing heart, stomach aches, sleep problems).
Often normal: Short-term nervousness before tests, sports, or new situations.
Get checked: Worry that lasts weeks, causes panic, or blocks school, sleep, or relationships.

MedlinePlus – Anxiety
SAMHSA – Mental Health

10) Depression

What it is: More than sadness; can include loss of interest, irritability, changes in sleep/appetite, low energy, and feeling hopeless.
Get checked: Symptoms lasting 2+ weeks or affecting daily functioning.

MedlinePlus – Depression
988 Lifeline – Immediate Support

11) ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

What it is: A neurodevelopmental condition that can affect focus, organization, impulsivity, and school performance.
Often normal: Everyone gets distracted sometimes; ADHD is when challenges are persistent and impairing in multiple settings.
Support: Evaluation, school accommodations, skill-building, and clinician-guided treatment plans.

CDC – ADHD
MedlinePlus – ADHD

12) Headaches & Migraine

What it is: Headaches can come from stress, dehydration, sleep loss, eye strain, illness, or migraine (which can be intense and recurring).
Often normal: Occasional mild headache that improves with rest, hydration, and meals.
Get checked urgently: Worst headache of your life, headache with confusion/weakness, head injury symptoms, or stiff neck/fever.

MedlinePlus – Headache
MedlinePlus – Migraine

13) Sleep Problems

What it is: Teens’ body clocks shift later, but school schedules can make sleep tough. Not enough sleep affects mood, focus, and health.
Often normal: A few rough nights that improve with routine changes.
Get checked: Loud snoring with daytime sleepiness, insomnia that lasts, or sleep issues linked to anxiety/depression.

CDC – Sleep and Sleep Disorders
MedlinePlus – Sleep Disorders

14) Nutrition, Growth, and Healthy Weight

What it is: Teen bodies grow fast. Energy, nutrition, sleep, and movement shape health. Weight is influenced by many factors (genetics, sleep, stress, food environment).
TeenThreads rule: Focus on health habits and strength, not shame or extremes.
Get checked: Rapid weight changes, fatigue, dizziness, or concerns about eating behaviors.

USDA – MyPlate
CDC – Childhood Obesity
MedlinePlus – Nutrition

15) Stomach Bug (Gastroenteritis) & Dehydration Risk

What it is: Vomiting/diarrhea often caused by viruses; dehydration is the main danger for students.
Often normal: Symptoms improving within a couple days with hydration and rest.
Get checked urgently: Signs of dehydration (very little pee, dizziness/fainting), blood in stool, severe belly pain, or persistent vomiting.

MedlinePlus – Viral Gastroenteritis
MedlinePlus – Dehydration

• Hand hygiene: Helps prevent colds, flu, and stomach bugs.
• Vaccines: Stay up to date (including flu each season, as recommended).
• Sleep: Your immune system and brain need it.
• Hydration: Headaches and fatigue get worse when you’re dehydrated.
• Food basics: Regular meals support mood, focus, and sports energy.
• Movement: Helps stress, sleep, and long-term health.
• Trigger control: For asthma/allergies, know your triggers and your plan.
• Skin care: Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen; avoid harsh scrubbing.

CDC – Immunization Schedules
CDC – Handwashing
CDC – Physical Activity

Make an appointment if:

• Symptoms keep returning or keep you out of school
• Breathing symptoms (wheezing, chest tightness) are recurring
• Headaches are frequent or worsening
• Sleep problems are affecting mood, grades, or safety
• Anxiety or sadness lasts weeks or is getting worse
• Skin issues are painful, infected, or causing scarring

Find low-cost care (U.S.):
HRSA – Find a Health Center

• MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) – Search any health topic
• CDC – Diseases, prevention, vaccines
• CDC – Healthy Youth (school & adolescent health)
• SAMHSA – Mental health & substance use support
• FDA – Medicine and consumer safety updates
• HRSA – Find a Health Center
• 988 Lifeline – Immediate emotional support