Toddler asthma too - Asthma Message Board

herewegoagain · 09-23-2003, 08:19 AM

Our 2 year old was diagonsed with asthma at 3 months of age which is already strange. He not only had asthma but sever food allergies as well. (which he has now outgrown) Just like the other parent stated, our son seems to be fine all summer long. He maybe had one treatment. Last winter he was up to 7 breathing treatments a day, a combo of albuterol and pulmicort, with oral-pred for emergancies. He got his first "winter"cold on Sunday and the wheezing has begun today. Where we now love has poor air which I am sure plays a role. I am trying to find preventitive mesures so my son doesnt need to be on drugs on a daily bases....it turns him into the *****. If anyone knows of herbal medicines that work or even breathing filters....I just want to hear any and all suggestions.
Thank you so much.

fatherdougalmaguire · 09-23-2003, 09:07 AM

Hi,
A neighbour dropped us in a bottle of Echinacea which we're going to try. Their friend (from whom they got the tincture) has a small child who frequently got colds until they started using this stuff.

You could also try getting a second opinion or going to see an allergy/asthma specialist/pediatrician.

In the mean time, we can enter into competition ...

herewegoagain · 09-23-2003, 10:45 AM

Thank you for the suggestion. We will try anything(well almost!) My son is being seen at Childrens Hospital in Los Angeles, but they are very certain about using the medication and not trying much else. FYI- my father has also suggested using eucalyptus oil when they get sick, you can buy it in a spray. Spray a small amount onto their blanket when they sleep or something they keep around them. My sister who is 29 and asthmatic tried this and said it did help.
Thanks again.

wrin · 09-23-2003, 05:38 PM

That's funny -- I've found strong smells like eucalyptus oil, while they help any nasal congestion, as far as my chest goes, they make me tighten right right up.

I would say if you're going to try anything herbal, go see a QUALIFIED HERBAL PRACTITIONER, not some guy who took a weekend course (all you need to have a certificate for some of these!) and that you TELL YOUR DOCTOR EVERYTHING YOUR SON IS ON because herbs have been known to precipitate drug interactions. These can range from things as mild as making the birth control pill fail, to severe clotting problems (namely excessive bleeding,) seizures, severe hypertension, and death.

Also, please do not think that having him on herbs is an acceptable enouth alternative that he can be taken off all of his prescription medications all at once. He should be WEANED off of them, for his safety. You might find you need to use less of the prescriptions, but be wary about taking him off of them entirely.

herewegoagain · 09-23-2003, 05:46 PM

Thank you for the advice, I agree completely. I am looking more for preventative, but I know when it comes down to his breathing, albuterol and pulmicort it is!!
Thanks