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mara williams
on May 21 2013 - 06:00 AM
Summer break has this mom on a house upkeep war path.
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- kim nakahodo - Profile | Pictures | Blog
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Look at all those meds...
Can you repeat that again?
“He is having an asthmatic reaction to an upper respiratory infection. He also has another ear infection and a fever.”
Back up… what? Asthmatic reaction? What is that?
Long story short, Niko is pretty sick. Again. It has been a really long month of illness for Niko-chan. We have been to the doctor three times with over 5 prescriptions in one month. I know, I know: new school, new germs. But seriously, when will it end?!?!??!
When I heard “Asthmatic Reaction,” I freaked out. My brother had asthma as a kid, but it wasn’t bad enough for an inhaler. I really have never pumped one in real life before… well, before now.
The doctor explained that she would not be able to tell us if this was a one-time event or if this will turn into juvenile asthma. She told us we would just have to wait and see how he does in the spring. I guess if he has problems in the spring, it’s asthma and hopefully he will grow out of it.
This kinda rocked my world; this is all new to me. I picked up the inhaler and I asked the pharmacist how to use it. How in the world does a two-year-old even use an inhaler? The pharmacist was very kind and explained how to use the faceguard attachment and reassured me that everything was going to be OK.
I know that sounds weird, but by the time I got to the pharmacist it was all sinking in. I was in shock when I heard he could have asthma, but it really didn’t hit me until I had the inhaler in my hands.
The first day, we had to use the inhaler three times. The second day we only had to use it once. The steroid he’s on is starting to make a difference. He’s starting to get back into the swing of things. (That is aside from the horrible diaper rash he gets anytime we give him certain medicines.)
I am still very concerned about this whole childhood asthma. Any asthma mommas out there? Am I freaking out over nothing these days?
Woah, that's too many drugs for a little guy in one month. I don't understand why a doc would give a little guy so many. How about trying to rid of the illnesses naturally? Like, just let them run the cycle. His little body isn't having a chance to get rid of stuff on its own. We have white blood cells for a reason. Also, you don't want Niko's body to not have a reaction to antibiotics for when he really needs them.I don't want to downplay what the doctor said, Kim, but with two of our children I was told that the child was probably going to have asthma and become proficient in the use of an inhaler. One did have a few bouts with croup, but no other long term issues. The other child, the one they insisted get a nebulizer---we used it for maybe two bouts of croup and that was it. And this was the child that the doctor consoled me, "He'll get to the point where he'll just come in and know how to do it himself." I'm very thankful that in both instances the doctors were wrong in their prediction.My oldest was diagnosed with asthma at age 4. This was after years of upper respiratory infections (URIs) and not one, but two bouts of pneumonia. Your picture of the meds for your DS looked familiar (the inhaler is Ventolin, right?). The steroid is very necessary at this point for your little sweetie, to give his immune system the needed "push" to help him get well. I know, this is a lot to take in, and it will feel overwhelming for a while. I agree with your MD on a "wait and see in the spring" attitude before diagnosing asthma and everything that goes with that. Springtime could release allergens (pollens, etc.) that he might react to, triggering another reaction. I am surprised that the MD or a nurse didn't demonstrate to you how to use the inhaler and the attachment (for little ones). And no, you're not freaking out over nothing, asthma is very serious (not trying to scare you, it just is). I'm saying a prayer that Niko gets well soon, and stays well!Yep, my DS has asthma. It's a jolt when you first hear that word. You defiantely have to respect asthma, but it doesn't have to be anything you fear. I am really surprised you weren't told to get a nebulizer. But maybe it's because there's still a possibility it was a one time thing. Sounds like there are several moms here who have been through this, so don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions.We're in kind of the same boat. The Wild card spent over 6 weeks coughing. Not a horrid cough, just a nagging little thing that was more obnoxious than anything. Took him in finally after the "wait out the allergy season" bit did nothing for us, and BAM- steroids, albuterol, Singulair, etc. It was REALLY overwhelming at first (DS is 5), but then we hit a routine. Eventually, around Christmas Break, he went off of the breathing treatments completely, but about a month later the cough returned. Per instructions, we put him back on a maintenence dose and it disappeared quickly. It sucks somewhat, but I'm glad we have the tools to make him better! If you DO have to go the nebulizer route (which we do- DS watches an episode of Imagination Movers while getting his morning treatment. It's his chill time.), see if you can get teh Dinosaur mask :) It looks like a dinosuar, and it made DS much less hesitant about putting it on :)My oldest daughter is asthmatic but her worst issues were when she was younger, like your son. As a teen she doesn't have too many problems. I have asthma and had no problems as a child, but I developed it as I got older. I completed a 5 year series of allergy injections though and I have fewer problems than I once had. I think everyone is different. Like Hotmomma said, you have to respect it. If it is a one time thing, that will be a blessing, but it will be okay if it isn't. A good doctor will walk you through, just ask lots of questions!I'm so sorry, Kim. I have never dealt with asthma, but it seems so many kids have it now. It's not even shocking anymore (except to the new patient, of course.) I'm reading a book that addresses this and it's by Dr. Kenneth Bock, M.D. It's quite interesting: "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics : Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies : The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders."
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