OBJECTIVES: Conceptual Models (CM) are useful for characterising domains of Symptoms, Functioning and Treatment Satisfaction. Previously a Conceptual Model (CM) of asthma was developed and relevance to patients confirmed through qualitative interviews with 15 asthmatic adults. The aim of this research was to test the model in adolescents. METHODS: Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with asthmatic adolescents (aged 12-16) in the US. Cards were used to elicit feedback from the patients on their understanding and experience of different concepts included in the CM (symptoms and functioning/disability).  Patients used the cards to rank the importance of symptoms and impacts. Treatment satisfaction was also discussed and the Asthma Control Test (ACT) completed. RESULTS: Based on the ACT 40% (8/20) of adolescents had poorly controlled asthma compared with 13% (2/15) of adults in the previous study. Most adolescents reported experiencing all four core symptoms of asthma; breathlessness (n=20), tight chest (n=19), cough (n=18) and wheeze (n=20).  Additional symptoms reported by the adolescents were light-headedness (n=7), shaking (n=6), congestion (n=5), feeling as if about to pass out (n=2), vomiting (n=2) and an uncomfortable feeling in the ribcage (n=2).  Breathlessness was the most important and bothersome symptom for both adolescents and adults. The functioning/disability concepts relevant to adolescents were the same as for adults.  ‘Spending time with friends/family’ was the impact ranked as most important by adolescents (n=5).  Understanding of terms and definitions was good for all core symptoms and impacts.  The term ‘rescue inhaler’ was not familiar to a minority (3/12, 25%) of younger adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative analysis of the interviews found evidence supporting all concepts in the CM.  New symptoms reported by adolescents were distal symptoms experienced due to poorly controlled asthma or rescue medication overuse.  No changes to the CM for asthma are needed for adolescents.