SCARED-please help, 3 year old asthma out of control?

[BYHOPE1113]

Hi Shelly,

To my knowledge none of those would cause constipation but everyone is different so I suppose it's possible. I would think the Amoxicillian would cause diarehea if anything.

You know I've never got a clear picture in my head of how to tell from the drainage whether it's infection of just mucous. I've always heard if it's yellow/green then that is a sign of infection but I don't know for sure.

As far as the nose culture that was done by the ENT at the same time they were putting tubes in her ears for the third time. They had to put her to sleep to do it so they just decided to do the culture when they had to put her to sleep to put tubes in anyway. This way she didn't have to go under twice. That's why I thought if they were going to take her tonsils out that would be a good time.

Be careful on the Sudofed, don't give her too much. The most I give it to K is 3 times a day. 1 tsp x 3 times daily. I guess it's like anything else you can get too much of a good thing.

P.S. - If your not using Atrovent for Melanie, ask the doctor about it and see what he thinks. It can use it every other time you use Xopenex. It has really helps Karly.

[Ratatosk]

has she always been constipated or just recently? The drugs for reflux could cause changes in bowel habits 'cuz it helps reduce the acid in stomach, so it can slow down digestion.

I associate yellow mucus with infection. I can usually tell 'cuz it even smells funky. I'm not too concerned with green, although DS' doctor was and put him on Augmentin to knock out the infection. Augmentin caused loose stools, though.

[celtic_mom]

Hi Shelly, I'm just catching up on what's been happening with Melanie. So no one has ordered a CT yet? Are you still seeing the ENT that gave you grief for bringing her to him in the first place? If so, please find a new one. I'm telling you this based on my own experiences over the past several months. There are a lot of bad doctors out there. Just because they went to med school doesn't make them geniuses. I'm under the care of a different ENT now and I feel confident that he will fix my problems.

He doesn't even think I have asthma. He said that my lungs probably reacted to the constant bombardment of infected drainage from my sinuses (which I didn't realize were a problem, remember?). He also talked about how it is all connected. The sinuses, lungs, and ears. He mentioned how many kids stop having asthma symptoms when they get tubes in (made me think about Melanie). The reason I was constantly getting reoccurring lung infections was because I was never on antibiotics long enough to kill the bacteria in my sinuses, only in my lungs. I may end up needing surgery now just because the damage has been done, but at least I'm closer to having my answer.

Someone needs to order a CT. Did the ENT even use an endoscope to examine her sinuses? Call your pediatrician and tell him that you want a CT ordered for her sinuses. When they come back, take them to a new ENT. You need to find out who is the best and brightest in the area. Call the local Children's hospital and ask around.

The other route you could take is to find a Center of Excellence for pediatric asthma that is close to you. You can do a web search to find one.

The bottom line is something is wrong here and it doesn't look like you have one doctor who really has said, "we'll get to the bottom of this". If she is still having colored discharge, my gut says (and actually my pulmonologist said) that it probably is infection. That leads me back to the belief that this is originating in her sinuses.

Get on the phone today and call every doctor you have until one orders that CT. If they don't, find new doctors. Find a new ENT at any rate. Good luck!

[BYHOPE1113]

Shelly,

I'm in agreement with celtic mom 100%. Let us know how M's doctors appointment went and if they have set up any more tests.

Kim

[babiespalace]

Okay, first we are still seeing the ENT. I am going to ask her asthma specialist if he can refer us to a good ENT. I figured it would be better asking him, then pulling one out of the phone book again.

Melanie is doing much better. I complained a lot to the ENT about her drainage and how it is affecting her asthma, and he finally put her on augmentin. It is just kicking in and it is woprking-no more wheezing. I asked him if we could get a CT and he said give this time she is still swollen from the surgery. But I knew it was from all the congestion. He said if it doesn't work he will take out her toncills-but not a CT-why I don't know. I should have asked. He said we do not need to see him, unless a problem comes up. Yes the jerk.. He did nothing with her sinuses. And I told him-she keeps getting this thick drainage. Hew told me it is because her ears weren't draining. Nothing he said made sense.

Now I have two theories. First I do beleive she has sinus problems, possibly alergies, and an immune problem. She will need the pneumococcal vaccine again and if it doesn't take-she will need IGIV therapy.I think that is what it is called.

Now I'm not sure if the immune problem could trigger her sinuses, or maybe it is tied in from both the pneumonia level and allergies. Or maybe the red eyes and her nose looks like allergies, but is really from no one treating her sinus infections. And these are her triggers.

Does any oft his make sense???

She is just doing sop much better now that her antibiotic has kicked in.

By the way her bowel movements have been hard little balls for over 6 months and she strains with movements. The consistancy is weird-and color is anywhere from white-tan-brown. Her liver panel came back okay, but no one really said why.

I would hate to put her under just for a culture. When I get a new ENT and if he feels we need to get the culture or toncills out-maybe he will do it.

Or if we get the CT scan, maybe they can do the culture at that time???

Thanks so much