preschooler with asthma? - Asthma Message Board

momto2boys · 01-17-2003, 08:20 PM

My son will be 4 in March and has had chronic coughing since he was about 18 months old. It is always worse when he has a runny nose (I suspect allergies, although he has not been tested yet) and typically only causes problems for him at night. The cough is dry and not very productive. He has an albuterol inhaler, but only uses it when the cough is really bothering him. He has not been diagnosed with Asthma, although his pediatrician has used the term "bronchial spasms" The only thing that seems to help him get through the night is Benadryl. He goes through this everytime he has allergy/cold symptoms. Does this sound like asthma? I appreciate any input.

Mom to 2 boys

01-17-2003, 09:19 PM

Albuterol acts to open the airways.... its effectiveness in helping your son to breath is not a guarentee that he has asthma.

It actually sounds like allergies.... especially since Benadryl works for him. I am asthmatic myself and I and a few other asthmatics I know cannot use benadryl, as it actually exaserbates my and their symptoms.

I really think you should take him to an allergist.

Why hasn't your doctor already done tests? He is young, and asthma is dangerous.

Please keep us posted.

Blue

momto2boys · 01-18-2003, 01:06 PM

Thanks for your response Blue.

Interesting about the Benadryl. The only reason I give it to my son at night is because I think the diphenhydramine helps him sleep. I tried giving it to him during the day yesterday because he had a runny nose as well as a cough and it didn't help at all-may have even aggrevated the cough. He had a terrible night though, cough turned into croup. I've heard children with asthma are more likely to develop croup when they have a cold.

The last time I spoke with his doctor, he mentioned Zyrtek. I didn't get the prescription because he has been on Claritin before and it did nothing. I assumed it probably wasn't allergies. I'm learning not to assume anything. I will talk to his doctor about allergy tests though. How do they test children for asthma? Nobody in my family or my husbands has allergies or asthma, so this is all new to us.

Thanks for your help.

Mom to 2 boys

01-18-2003, 08:22 PM

I am not sure about tests for children, as, my daughter is too young....

But, I wonder about the allergy thing.

I am sure you have gone through the list, but, have you any:

pets
smokers in the house
cleaning supplies
new work in the house
new carpets
drycleaned clothing
dust
mold (children are especially sensative to this)

Have you changed or modified his diet to rule out certain allergies?

Claritin didn't help me either.

HAs your doctor detected any wheezing in your son?
do you think his condition gets worse in certain weather?

CAn your son explain what he feels like?
And finally, has your doctor considered a low dose steroid?

Blue

01-18-2003, 08:24 PM

I just realized you said that this problem bothers him particularly at night... sorry about that.

What position does he sleep in generally, and, where does he sleep?

Maybe he is allergic to his blankets.... either the material,or the soap.

OR it could be dust mites. They LOVE beds.

BLue