increased meds - Asthma Message Board

Danitom · 02-17-2004, 04:06 PM

my daughter went back to the specialist today. We have been going every two weeks for awhile now to adjust meds and get things under control. He upped her to the Advair 250/50(from the 100/50) and added Pediox as needed for headaches/runny nose(we also kept the same dosage of singulair)........ he said she had a "harsh cough" ..... I thought she was doing fine........the cough she has is NOTHING compared to what she CAN GET like........I just wish we could get rid of it COMPLETELY!!! He mentioned checking her immunoglobulins(?)...............said we will probably do this next visit............also keeps mentioning immunotherapy.......I don't want to go there......she is only 6 and not a big fan of needles........

hc85 · 02-17-2004, 05:57 PM

They will check her immunoglobulins to make sure that she doesn't have an immune deficiency.

If she is an allergic asthmatic, the theory behind that is that most of the asthma is caused by allergies. Take away the allergies, and you put the asthma in remission. Immunotherapy may help IMMENSLEY with this. She'll get used to the needles. Explain to her that if you do this now then it will stop things from happening in the future, like her having to inject herself with an epipen because of an anaphylactic reaction. Let alone any hospital stays and the like which would be entirely more painful and scary. I know some kids who get immunotherapy get to do their shot and then go for a small toy at the dollar store. This may be something to think about.

reader1 · 02-18-2004, 05:03 PM

I've been getting allergy shots since I was three years old. For most people, allergy shots are safer than drugs, both oral and inhaled. If they will improve your daughter's health outcomes as well as lower her dependence on meds (especially steroids, even the inhaled kind), they will be worth it for both of you in the long run. My friend's six year old just had allergy testing and did pretty well with it. It has helped them figure out what triggers she needs to avoid in addition to make other decisions about treatment.

Sandson · 02-18-2004, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danitom

my daughter went back to the specialist today. We have been going every two weeks for awhile now to adjust meds and get things under control. He upped her to the Advair 250/50(from the 100/50) and added Pediox as needed for headaches/runny nose(we also kept the same dosage of singulair)........ he said she had a "harsh cough" ..... I thought she was doing fine........the cough she has is NOTHING compared to what she CAN GET like........I just wish we could get rid of it COMPLETELY!!! He mentioned checking her immunoglobulins(?)...............said we will probably do this next visit............also keeps mentioning immunotherapy.......I don't want to go there......she is only 6 and not a big fan of needles........

Danitom:

Like your daughter, I am a asthmatic who is allergic to pollen, grass, trees, dust, and mold. I started getting my shots when I was 13 years old. I had allergy shots(3) for 14 years and it didn't do much to reduce my symptoms. So, I stopped getting shots 6 years ago.

As for the Advair prescription, I have heard many good things about it. It is supposed to be combonation of the inhalers Flovent and Servent. I am pretty sure he increased her prescription as precaution to prevent the onset of respiratory infections that she may encouter going into Spring season.

PinkBanana · 02-18-2004, 09:35 PM

As for the Advair prescription, I have heard many good things about it. It is supposed to be combonation of the inhalers Flovent and Servent. I am pretty sure he increased her prescription as precaution to prevent the onset of respiratory infections that she may encouter going into Spring season.[/QUOTE]

On 250/50 of Advair, I'm pretty susceptible to bronchial infections, but they never get that bad. On 500/50 of Advair(need to burst sometimes with flare ups), I get some pretty nasty lung infections. During a year of 250/50 I had 3 episodes of bronchitis and in 3 weeks of 500/50 I had pneumonia.
More isn't always better. Esp. if shes susceptible to lung infections like me.
Oh don't remind me about spring season, i'm making sure I go 2 school everyday now, no taking days off..so I have my days saved up for when I need them lol..