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Help With 3 Yr Olds Breathing Episodes
Not sure if this is the right section to post under so apologies in advance.
My son is now 3 years old and for the past 18 months he has suffered with "asthma" type attacks every 4-6 wks. I say asthma as the Dr referred us to the Asthma Nurse within the practice but even tho he is treated with inhalers even the Nurse said they won't label asthma until he's about 5-7 yrs old.
I personally don't think this is an asthma issue and feel it's more respiratory issue. When the attacks happen they will start with a dry cough sometimes making him vomit depending on what he has eaten. There will be a slight sniffle (clear runny nose if anything and the odd sneeze) but there is always a crackle to his upper chest. He puffs away when he's really bad (like a pregnant woman panting) and his stomach/throat is frantically pulling away to help his breathing.
I've attended the local hospital and I either get that he has a chest infection or they put him on hourly nebs for a few hours. Last time we were in his heart rate was high, when resting, to the point they nearly admitted him but it started to drop a few hours later.
As you can imagine it can be very disturbing seeing your child in this state.
I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced these symptoms with their child and have been given a positive diagnosis. My Mothers instinct is not resting on the current advice I get given and I have asked to have him referred to a Respiratory Doctor for advice.
My son is now 3 years old and for the past 18 months he has suffered with "asthma" type attacks every 4-6 wks. I say asthma as the Dr referred us to the Asthma Nurse within the practice but even tho he is treated with inhalers even the Nurse said they won't label asthma until he's about 5-7 yrs old.
I personally don't think this is an asthma issue and feel it's more respiratory issue. When the attacks happen they will start with a dry cough sometimes making him vomit depending on what he has eaten. There will be a slight sniffle (clear runny nose if anything and the odd sneeze) but there is always a crackle to his upper chest. He puffs away when he's really bad (like a pregnant woman panting) and his stomach/throat is frantically pulling away to help his breathing.
I've attended the local hospital and I either get that he has a chest infection or they put him on hourly nebs for a few hours. Last time we were in his heart rate was high, when resting, to the point they nearly admitted him but it started to drop a few hours later.
As you can imagine it can be very disturbing seeing your child in this state.
I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced these symptoms with their child and have been given a positive diagnosis. My Mothers instinct is not resting on the current advice I get given and I have asked to have him referred to a Respiratory Doctor for advice.
Answers
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Not an expert with asthma but I have always picked it up on the exhaled breath you hear a rasp.
As suggested could possibly be a reaction to food.
Keep accurate records of when it happens to see if there is a pattern. Also GP visits, hospital visits, what is prescribed, dose and for how long.
I think swimming is supposed to help but I would be careful in this cold weather.
As suggested could possibly be a reaction to food.
Keep accurate records of when it happens to see if there is a pattern. Also GP visits, hospital visits, what is prescribed, dose and for how long.
I think swimming is supposed to help but I would be careful in this cold weather.
Funny you should say food allergy as he definitely has an egg allergy. He does have other food reactions in the same way but I'm yet to fathom out what these are - I sense they are dairy. He loves his yoghurts and milk, has them every day but these breathing incidents are staggered - too closely but happen at least once a month if not every 6-8 wks!
I could probably write a short story so will keep it brief. Observe what do you do ie hoovering dusting etc. Diagnosis not essential, though nice, it is how you manage it that is more important. You are the expert on your son so watch him, listen to his breathing, trust your instincts. When he has an episode learn to appear confident (even if you are falling apart inside) he will look to you for reassurance and how you behave will have a direct influence. Is there a time of day it starts or is worse. If morning look at his bedroom is it too hot or too cold?
I hope this helps!
I hope this helps!
It doesn't have any particular time that it starts but always starts in the way I mentioned. Recently the cold has set it off more often but it is an all year round illness. I won't rest til in happy with a prognosis I believe and at the moment everything they say isn't sitting right with me. Just hope to get it sorted soon
Difficult in this age group and I can understand you concern living without a definitive diagnosis.
It does sound like asthma, but until he is old enough for spirometry, then the diagnosis will have to be " left on hold."
There are othe diagnoses, but uncommon and unlikely on this case.
Treating each episode as asthmatic seems to be the sensible route.
Sorry I cannot be more helpful.
It does sound like asthma, but until he is old enough for spirometry, then the diagnosis will have to be " left on hold."
There are othe diagnoses, but uncommon and unlikely on this case.
Treating each episode as asthmatic seems to be the sensible route.
Sorry I cannot be more helpful.
Does he have coughing episodes during the night. If so he could sleep propped up with extra pillows. Also keep him in a sitting up position leaning slightly forward when he has them during the day. Do his inhalers work, does he have a preventative one or just a reliever and are they being used correctly. His asthma nurse should have gone through the correct procedure with you and should receive follow up appointments. Go back to your GP if you are not happy.
It is not sitting right because many times they cannot make an accurate diagnosis. A misdiagnosis can be difficult to rectify. Also a diagnosis can be unhelpful ie when prescribing drugs. If he gets a diagnosis of asthma and in the future a doctor may prescribe a drug that is not proved to be effective for asthma under NICE guidelines so may not be given.
I have known a few boys that had reoccurring chest problems that are now big strapping lads. I would say don't worry but with children you do have to be vigilant.
I have known a few boys that had reoccurring chest problems that are now big strapping lads. I would say don't worry but with children you do have to be vigilant.
Yes he has both inhalers that are used correctly and we have him sitting upright as much as possible when he sleeps. Just looks like I'm going to have to ride it out for a few more years. I know a lot of children can suffer from these symptoms as my eldest went through it but not this bad, he's ok now. I feel with the little ones food allergy to that it is something inter-linked!! Thanks for all your replies and I will also keep a diary to see if we can nip this in the butt.
Just learn to become an expert with him. Listen and observe how he breaths when well so you notice earlier when there is an issue. Learn when to increase and decrease the inhalers so you get maximum efficiency. Keep accurate records of drugs prescribed so you know what ones were effective and which weren't. There may be a respiratory team which you may be able to approach for advice. Oh and don't do too many changes at one time as you will not know what was effective and what wasn't.
They sound exactly like the asthma attacks my son used to get, set off by colds or allergies. His started at 5 years and he was diagnosed at 8 after a few collapses and going blue. Also, you could see his sides being sucked in under his ribs. Touch wood, he hasn't had an attack since the preventer inhalers have been increased. If it is asthma, the inhalers used correctly (with spacer) will help. Have they tried oral prednisolone? Does a nebuliser help?
They used to diagnose asthma from a year and bronchiolitis before that, so that's changed in the last few years.
They used to diagnose asthma from a year and bronchiolitis before that, so that's changed in the last few years.
The nebs did help and he looked like he shouldn't have been in hospital - he was bouncing off the wall. He has the brown inhaler of a morning and night (1 puff) then if he's having an attack then he has between 1-5 puffs every 4 hrs (supposedly) depending how he is. We are going through episode at moment which means it was only 3 wks ago since his last!
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