daystar91
07-15-2004, 04:35 PM
Hi,
MY son 5 was just diagnosed with asthma....The doctor said that he had exercise asthma, what is that??I was kind of rushed so i forgot to ask him....Just wondering if there is different types of asthma....
MY son 5 was just diagnosed with asthma....The doctor said that he had exercise asthma, what is that??I was kind of rushed so i forgot to ask him....Just wondering if there is different types of asthma....
Sponsor
dolphins
07-16-2004, 06:49 AM
Exercise induced asthma . . . the exercise triggers off the asthma. Be best to double check but I think it's 15mins before exercise is when you should take the ventolin/albuterol (blue puffer/reliever med) - do you have a spacer for your son - good to use - get more medication into the lungs using a spacer, easier to coordinate for children.
ErimusValidus
07-16-2004, 02:31 PM
Fifteen minutes is the minimum recommended time gap between using the inhaler and commencing exercise. During that fifteen minutes plenty of warming up and stretching should be performed to reduce the risk of breathlessness. Basically your son is lucky to have this type of asthma as opposed to regular asthma because it means he is less at risk of attacks in the night (which are the worst in my opinion).
Blondee15
07-16-2004, 05:05 PM
Fifteen minutes is the minimum recommended time gap between using the inhaler and commencing exercise. During that fifteen minutes plenty of warming up and stretching should be performed to reduce the risk of breathlessness. Basically your son is lucky to have this type of asthma as opposed to regular asthma because it means he is less at risk of attacks in the night (which are the worst in my opinion).
Wouldn't jump to that conclusion so fast- ever heard of a delayed reaction? I get those when my EIA is allergy triggered(meaning there is swelling, not just muscles constricting), then later at nite I wake up gasping for air, my breathing gets really shallow until I wake up barely breathing or not at all. I used to sleep with my inhaled next to my pillow during gymnastics season, the nebulizer all set up next to my bed.
Have your son tested for allergies, it may be pricey but it is worth it, I think there are MANY people misdiagnosed with EIA when it is really allergens in the place they are exercising in. Me, i'm a gymnast & i'm allergic to dust.. which is rampid in the gym. I can't run outside- i'm allergic to grass & ragweed. Just two examples of how allergic asthma can be masked as EIA. Plus EIA can quickly become regular asthma if it isn't already, it happened to me, no idea why. Especially at that young of an age.. I highly recommend taking him to see a pediatric allergist who specializes in asthma to get some pulmonary function tests & allergy tests! Better to be safe than sorry!
Wouldn't jump to that conclusion so fast- ever heard of a delayed reaction? I get those when my EIA is allergy triggered(meaning there is swelling, not just muscles constricting), then later at nite I wake up gasping for air, my breathing gets really shallow until I wake up barely breathing or not at all. I used to sleep with my inhaled next to my pillow during gymnastics season, the nebulizer all set up next to my bed.
Have your son tested for allergies, it may be pricey but it is worth it, I think there are MANY people misdiagnosed with EIA when it is really allergens in the place they are exercising in. Me, i'm a gymnast & i'm allergic to dust.. which is rampid in the gym. I can't run outside- i'm allergic to grass & ragweed. Just two examples of how allergic asthma can be masked as EIA. Plus EIA can quickly become regular asthma if it isn't already, it happened to me, no idea why. Especially at that young of an age.. I highly recommend taking him to see a pediatric allergist who specializes in asthma to get some pulmonary function tests & allergy tests! Better to be safe than sorry!
reader1
07-16-2004, 08:21 PM
It doesn't matter how rushed you are, anytime you talk with the doctor about your child's asthma or an illness you should take as much time as you need to.
Exercise asthma typically means that exercise - meaning vigorous play, running around, etc. - can trigger your child's asthma. Typically in young children this will require them to take a couple of puffs on an albuterol inhaler before recess, soccer practice, that sort of thing. If your doctor did not give you any specific instructions about how your child can participate normally in activity given certain preventative measures, then you need to call back and ask.
Exercise asthma typically means that exercise - meaning vigorous play, running around, etc. - can trigger your child's asthma. Typically in young children this will require them to take a couple of puffs on an albuterol inhaler before recess, soccer practice, that sort of thing. If your doctor did not give you any specific instructions about how your child can participate normally in activity given certain preventative measures, then you need to call back and ask.
jp3892
07-17-2004, 04:29 PM
Also, try putting him on a steroid inhaler when he is old enough as this can actually make the EIA disappear (contrary to popular belief!)
daystar91
07-20-2004, 11:33 AM
Hi Again,
Thank you all for your replies.....Also i forgot to mention that my husband, his mother and the aunt all have asthma really bad.....My husband as a child spent weeks in the hospital for asthma and so has my mother in law.....
Some one mention a spacer, what is that???The inhaler i was given you turn and clicks, then my son sucks it in....It's round not shaped like a L shaped, maybe they are new....I don't know if anyone knows what i'm talking about....It's says on the inhaler, Pulmicort Turbuhaler 200mcg....He is suppose to take it once a day but the doctor never said when to take it....
Thank you all for your replies.....Also i forgot to mention that my husband, his mother and the aunt all have asthma really bad.....My husband as a child spent weeks in the hospital for asthma and so has my mother in law.....
Some one mention a spacer, what is that???The inhaler i was given you turn and clicks, then my son sucks it in....It's round not shaped like a L shaped, maybe they are new....I don't know if anyone knows what i'm talking about....It's says on the inhaler, Pulmicort Turbuhaler 200mcg....He is suppose to take it once a day but the doctor never said when to take it....
daystar91
07-20-2004, 11:35 AM
Hi Again,
Thank you all for your replies.....Also i forgot to mention that my husband, his mother and the aunt all have asthma really bad.....My husband as a child spent weeks in the hospital for asthma and so has my mother in law.....Also my husband has allergies really bad as well....
Some one mention a spacer, what is that???The inhaler i was given you turn and clicks, then my son sucks it in....It's round not shaped like a L shaped, maybe they are new....I don't know if anyone knows what i'm talking about....It's says on the inhaler, Pulmicort Turbuhaler 200mcg....He is suppose to take it once a day but the doctor never said when to take it..
Thank you all for your replies.....Also i forgot to mention that my husband, his mother and the aunt all have asthma really bad.....My husband as a child spent weeks in the hospital for asthma and so has my mother in law.....Also my husband has allergies really bad as well....
Some one mention a spacer, what is that???The inhaler i was given you turn and clicks, then my son sucks it in....It's round not shaped like a L shaped, maybe they are new....I don't know if anyone knows what i'm talking about....It's says on the inhaler, Pulmicort Turbuhaler 200mcg....He is suppose to take it once a day but the doctor never said when to take it..
storm12
07-20-2004, 05:06 PM
I tend to take my inhalers more right before bed - so that I rarely wake up gasping for air anymore. I used to do that every night - sometimes multiple times. I have one I should take in the mornings as well, because of where I work, and because of exercise induced. (Just running about at work can set me off.) But usually, night is better for me - so I'm not up at 5 in the morning - or having one of my terrible suffocating dreams (if I'm having an attack in my sleep, it will work into my dreams - and it takes a long time to wake up).
If he hasn't been tested for allergies, please have that done. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 7, but no doctor ever bothered to actually do any testing or suggest allergy shots until I was 21! It turned out I'm allergic to everything outside and a lot of things inside - and they all set off my asthma to some extent - some more than others. Now, with shots, I seemed to be less allergic to grasses. I can tolerate being around freshly mown grass a little more now.
If he hasn't been tested for allergies, please have that done. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 7, but no doctor ever bothered to actually do any testing or suggest allergy shots until I was 21! It turned out I'm allergic to everything outside and a lot of things inside - and they all set off my asthma to some extent - some more than others. Now, with shots, I seemed to be less allergic to grasses. I can tolerate being around freshly mown grass a little more now.
ErimusValidus
07-20-2004, 08:26 PM
daystar, a spacer is a device that is used in conjunction with spray (propellant) inhalers for delaying the administration of the drug. As opposed to simply inhaling the spray directly from the inhaler, your son would use the spacer to maximise the benefit from the inhaler by inhaling slowly and gradually from its chamber. I cannot post a link to any websites for a photo because they're all commercial, but do a Google for "asthma inhaler spacer" or suchlike and you'll find useful information.
However, that said, from the description you've given of the inhaler your son has, I do not think a spacer can be used. This is the kind of inhaler that younger children are given instead of the propellant type (probably due to safety reasons and perhaps also because the spray type are very tempting to use as a toy). The inhaler administers a powder form of the drug (which can tickle the back of the throat :( ) In terms of when your son should take the inhaler, I would advise that he takes it first thing in the morning before brushing his teeth since he may find any residual powder will dry his mouth. Brushing will remove the powder but it won't reduce the efficacy of the drug.
I hope you find this information useful. Please ask if you are confused by anything I've said or if you have any more questions :)
However, that said, from the description you've given of the inhaler your son has, I do not think a spacer can be used. This is the kind of inhaler that younger children are given instead of the propellant type (probably due to safety reasons and perhaps also because the spray type are very tempting to use as a toy). The inhaler administers a powder form of the drug (which can tickle the back of the throat :( ) In terms of when your son should take the inhaler, I would advise that he takes it first thing in the morning before brushing his teeth since he may find any residual powder will dry his mouth. Brushing will remove the powder but it won't reduce the efficacy of the drug.
I hope you find this information useful. Please ask if you are confused by anything I've said or if you have any more questions :)
Blondee15
07-20-2004, 10:43 PM
I tend to take my inhalers more right before bed - so that I rarely wake up gasping for air anymore. I used to do that every night - sometimes multiple times. I have one I should take in the mornings as well, because of where I work, and because of exercise induced. (Just running about at work can set me off.) But usually, night is better for me - so I'm not up at 5 in the morning - or having one of my terrible suffocating dreams (if I'm having an attack in my sleep, it will work into my dreams - and it takes a long time to wake up).
If he hasn't been tested for allergies, please have that done. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 7, but no doctor ever bothered to actually do any testing or suggest allergy shots until I was 21! It turned out I'm allergic to everything outside and a lot of things inside - and they all set off my asthma to some extent - some more than others. Now, with shots, I seemed to be less allergic to grasses. I can tolerate being around freshly mown grass a little more now.
OMg I thought I was the only one who had dreams about having attacks/waking up with attacks! Wow, glad to know i'm not crazy lol! Though they say asthmatics are at a higher risk than most of having nightmares!
If he hasn't been tested for allergies, please have that done. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 7, but no doctor ever bothered to actually do any testing or suggest allergy shots until I was 21! It turned out I'm allergic to everything outside and a lot of things inside - and they all set off my asthma to some extent - some more than others. Now, with shots, I seemed to be less allergic to grasses. I can tolerate being around freshly mown grass a little more now.
OMg I thought I was the only one who had dreams about having attacks/waking up with attacks! Wow, glad to know i'm not crazy lol! Though they say asthmatics are at a higher risk than most of having nightmares!
jp3892
07-21-2004, 05:40 AM
However, that said, from the description you've given of the inhaler your son has, I do not think a spacer can be used. This is the kind of inhaler that younger children are given instead of the propellant type (probably due to safety reasons and perhaps also because the spray type are very tempting to use as a toy). The inhaler administers a powder form of the drug (which can tickle the back of the throat. In terms of when your son should take the inhaler, I would advise that he takes it first thing in the morning before brushing his teeth since he may find any residual powder will dry his mouth. Brushing will remove the powder but it won't reduce the efficacy of the drug.
No, its just a newer version of the adult pulmicort inhaler. Its called the turbohaler and is incredibly effective. I was on it for about 8 years :)
No, its just a newer version of the adult pulmicort inhaler. Its called the turbohaler and is incredibly effective. I was on it for about 8 years :)
ErimusValidus
07-21-2004, 06:13 AM
Are you saying a spacer can be used, jp? I didn't mean to misinform anyone.
daystar91
07-21-2004, 11:54 PM
Hi,
Also i forgot to mention that my son plays soccer in the evening.....This is how we found out he had asthma....My son was playing soccer one night and he began to cough so hard he couldn't catch his breath, then he throw up....Every time he went to do something that had to do with anything active he became this way....I don't want to sound stupid but the days he plays would you give him the inhaler before or after his games....I have not been able to get a hold of my doctor, he on vacation at the moment, or i would ask him....All together i'm unsure when i should give him his inhaler during the day but the running around at soccer worries me....The doctor said that he was okay to play.....The first few days after he had a problem i kept him home from soccer just to make sure that he was alright...We bought him a air conditioner and i notice at night he sleeps better....Does having the air conditioner on help him???
Also i forgot to mention that my son plays soccer in the evening.....This is how we found out he had asthma....My son was playing soccer one night and he began to cough so hard he couldn't catch his breath, then he throw up....Every time he went to do something that had to do with anything active he became this way....I don't want to sound stupid but the days he plays would you give him the inhaler before or after his games....I have not been able to get a hold of my doctor, he on vacation at the moment, or i would ask him....All together i'm unsure when i should give him his inhaler during the day but the running around at soccer worries me....The doctor said that he was okay to play.....The first few days after he had a problem i kept him home from soccer just to make sure that he was alright...We bought him a air conditioner and i notice at night he sleeps better....Does having the air conditioner on help him???
jp3892
07-22-2004, 05:52 AM
No the spacer can't be used (I think) because it is a form of powder rather than an aerosol. A spacer isn't needed for the turbohaler becasue it was designed to eliminate many of the problems with the aerosol inhaler.
jerrie97
07-22-2004, 06:26 AM
Hi,
Also i forgot to mention that my son plays soccer in the evening.....This is how we found out he had asthma....My son was playing soccer one night and he began to cough so hard he couldn't catch his breath, then he throw up....Every time he went to do something that had to do with anything active he became this way....I don't want to sound stupid but the days he plays would you give him the inhaler before or after his games....I have not been able to get a hold of my doctor, he on vacation at the moment, or i would ask him....All together i'm unsure when i should give him his inhaler during the day but the running around at soccer worries me....The doctor said that he was okay to play.....The first few days after he had a problem i kept him home from soccer just to make sure that he was alright...We bought him a air conditioner and i notice at night he sleeps better....Does having the air conditioner on help him???
You should give him his rescue inhaler - albuterol, Ventolin, Proventil, or whatever it's called - 15 to 20 minutes before any kind of physical activity. This prevents the airways from spasming.
And yes, if it's humid, then an air conditioner helps immensely.
Take care. :)
Also i forgot to mention that my son plays soccer in the evening.....This is how we found out he had asthma....My son was playing soccer one night and he began to cough so hard he couldn't catch his breath, then he throw up....Every time he went to do something that had to do with anything active he became this way....I don't want to sound stupid but the days he plays would you give him the inhaler before or after his games....I have not been able to get a hold of my doctor, he on vacation at the moment, or i would ask him....All together i'm unsure when i should give him his inhaler during the day but the running around at soccer worries me....The doctor said that he was okay to play.....The first few days after he had a problem i kept him home from soccer just to make sure that he was alright...We bought him a air conditioner and i notice at night he sleeps better....Does having the air conditioner on help him???
You should give him his rescue inhaler - albuterol, Ventolin, Proventil, or whatever it's called - 15 to 20 minutes before any kind of physical activity. This prevents the airways from spasming.
And yes, if it's humid, then an air conditioner helps immensely.
Take care. :)
Runawaytrain
07-28-2004, 10:35 PM
When I was about thirteen or fourteen I discovered that I had exercise induced asthma during the second half of a soccer game with no substitute players. After a huge fiasco of stopping the whole game and causing my mom to be hysterical I went to the doctor and started on an inhaler that I just take 30 minutes before my physical activity. I have had no problems ever since, though I do notice that certain times breathing is a little bit challenging. I notice it most when it's humid out or any poor air quality, or when taking part in non-rhythmical running where I change speeds from one extreme to another (contact sports such as soccer and lacrosse). But there's no need to worry about this form of asthma; I currently hold a number of track school records :rolleyes: and run all year round :)
daystar91
07-30-2004, 12:49 AM
Hi,
That's great to hear that you still do sports and that asthma doesn't take over your activities........I was so worried that asthma might take over and my son wouldn't be able to play sports.....My mother in law really wanted me to take him out of soccer...I let him miss a couple of games only because he was having some trouble...Then i let him play again once he was better....My son is very active and loves sports, it would be heart breaking if he couldn't do the things he loves.....
After a day on the inhaler you could tell the difference in him....Before we go to soccer i give him his inhaler...I told him if he has a problem during the games to tell someone and take a time out..
That's great to hear that you still do sports and that asthma doesn't take over your activities........I was so worried that asthma might take over and my son wouldn't be able to play sports.....My mother in law really wanted me to take him out of soccer...I let him miss a couple of games only because he was having some trouble...Then i let him play again once he was better....My son is very active and loves sports, it would be heart breaking if he couldn't do the things he loves.....
After a day on the inhaler you could tell the difference in him....Before we go to soccer i give him his inhaler...I told him if he has a problem during the games to tell someone and take a time out..