Cough-Varient Form of Asthma in my 4 yr old

[Quakes99]

Hi, I'm an adult with asthma. When i get really upset (when you cry and cant stop) I have difficulty breathing, and have to use the rescue inhalor. (Arbuterol). This is normal because of the limiting in breathing. I have to take it as soon as I start to calm down, it doesn't do anything any sooner.

I don't know about specific child related asthma. I've had students on lesser doses of advair. As for long term effects you should do a search for your specific perscription. You can usually find long term affects.

I use both a warm and cool air humidifier. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I find the same difference in using it. It lessens the heaviness and tighness in the chest.

[BYHOPE1113]

You know, ever since I saw this thread on Cough-Variant asthma, it's really got me thinking. I have two daughters (ages 5 & 3) and they both have asthma, but my 3 yrs olds is much much worse.

After reading up on what cough-variant asthma is, I'm beginning to see that sounds exactly like my 5 yr old. I very rarely hear her wheeze. She's having trouble with it right now. I thought she was going to cough up a lung last night. The breathing treatment with Xopenex and Atrovent definately helped but as always it wears off and she goes back to hacking and coughing.

Our doctor has never made a differentiation between the two girls except to say that one is worse than the other.

Thanks for posting here, I think I've learned something new!

[family4you]

Tremendous thanks for suggestions regarding GERD/acid reflux. Based on these suggestions and reading more in the links you provided, I have determined (and our doctor agrees) that my 4-year old has acid reflux and probably not asthma at all. I eliminated oranges and orange juice (the primary acidics she eats), and the symptons disappeared overnight. Shocking that it could be something so simple. We also shifted her from cow's milk to "rice" (not soy) milk at the same time, in case there's an intolerance to milk, possibly adding to the reflux.

I should mention that our doctor is great and has detected acid reflux in lots of other children. However, my child didn't throw up, which many acid reflux kids do -- so it appeared more like a cough/asthma condition. We are entirely off of the pulmicort and albuterol.

My daughter's personality (without steroids) and our whole quality of life has improved from this message board. I cannot thank you enough.

[Quakes99]

I'm glad you were able to solve it! I hope she and you are doing much better!

[shinetype2]

Please ask your doctor about keoteftin. It's aliquid given 2 x a day. my son lived on nebulizer until I put him on this hardly ever use it know