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Family Matters:  Asthma attack.... I want opinions  |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 08 2008 : 05:41:00 AM
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My 7 year old boy has been waking up frantic and afraid and thrashing around...when he coughs a couple times he vomits...learned to rush him to the bathroom now because I know he will.
He yells and begs for his nebulizer..used for asthma and he won't stop thrashing afraid until I put it on him. Then he relaxes and goes right back to sleep. This is new to me and must be an asthma attack but I can't hear or see any wheezing...this has happened 3 times in the last week or so...calling the Dr today.
Anyone have experience with this? talked to a nurse today and she told me to tell the school that he could be tired or not feel well today.
****************
May we always be in thankful contemplation of God who presides over us all.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
farmgirl #71 Linda in PA |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2008 : 07:11:21 AM
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My daughter had the worst of her asthma when she was young. I never had that experience with her.
I just wonder; did he have a bad attack in the past and maybe now he is having nightmares or anxiety about it?
Also, do you have what is called a "peak flow meter" that the child breathes into to help determine if he is having breathing problems. This could help you decide better what is going on at night.
Ask your doctor lots of questions!!
Good luck!
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
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BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2008 : 07:13:44 AM
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Linda,
What a horrable experience for son and you! I hope the doctor gets you in right away. I use to have a bad time with asthma and sometimes an attack can come on so suddenly you dont have time to wheeze...your lungs just seem to clamp shut. It is terrifing! I really hope this gets straitended out quickly for you.
Big hugs to you both. Corrine
What we write today slipped into our souls some other day when we were alone and doing nothing.
-Brenda Ueland
http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/ |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2008 : 09:31:58 AM
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I would definetly ask for a peak flow meter if you don't have one -- this could help cause his seeming anxiety as well as help you! If it truly is an attack -- then perhaps he's needing a round of steriods, personally I much prefer the inhaled versions (such as Pulmicort) to the oral ones; as they don't seem to make my little ones nearly as grumpy! Also 6 puffs on the inhaler is the same as a treatment (puff then breath 5-6 times with a spacer and repeat)-- so much easier and accurate to use a spacer (ask for one of those as well if he doesn't have one). Flovent also really seemed to help my eldest son, I am a bit leary of singular but that's me.
There are also studies that show that upping Vit C helps, etc.
I have a book called Your free child as well and Young Living has an oil called "Raven" that seems to really help stop an attack (not for severe but if he can tell you when his chest first feels tight) http://www.youngliving.us
Blessings and hugs to both of you,
Holly
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
http://timsarmywifey.blogspot.com
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Edited by - ArmyWifey on Feb 08 2008 09:33:50 AM |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2008 : 11:22:05 AM
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Thanks for the responses. I needed to hear from others on this. I took him today to the Dr. and Dr. says asthma attack. As I said the nebulizer stopped the panic and yelling for it, etc.
Danny was in hospital with pneumonia just this Sept. so Dr takes it seriously. We are starting the nebulizer Pulmacort (he's had it before for weeks), Dr. says it is very important to take it now for 10 days. Such a relief for me to at least know about it and what to do.
You gals help me with your experience. Thanks again
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May we always be in thankful contemplation of God who presides over us all.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
farmgirl #71 Linda in PA |
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MulberryMama
Farmgirl in Training
37 Posts
Jill
Prospect Heights
IL
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2008 : 12:33:23 PM
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My two year old daughter was on Pulmicort (before bed) for over a year, and it seemed to help stave off the viral complications that would trigger an attack. As I am getting older (sad to say) I am finding that I have had "reactive airway" or asthma attacks that start with lots of coughing (really hard coughing) long before any wheezing is evident. I'm glad to hear that you have a responsive doctor for your son. We were recommended to a pediatric pulminologist which has been helpful in managing our daughter's reactions.
I wasn't born in a barn, but I was raised in one. |
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doublebow
Farmgirl in Training
37 Posts
michelle
springtown
tx
37 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2008 : 5:55:20 PM
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| I'm sorry you and your son are going through this. Asthma can be very scary. I had it as a child and lately (I'm now in my forties), it's gotten bad again. And when I was a kid lots of people thought it was just emotional. Ha! It gets you emotional when you can't breathe! I'm glad youve gotten your child on a steroid. It sounds like the doc is staying on top of it. Take care! |
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doublebow
Farmgirl in Training
37 Posts
michelle
springtown
tx
37 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2008 : 6:00:41 PM
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| Oh, beemoosie, I just now saw what you said and I didn't want you to think that I thought you were saying that this child was just being emotional! Oh goodness, sometimes it is hard to make oneself clear over the net! |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2008 : 6:30:46 PM
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His Dr. has not mentioned a peak flow meter but I have heard and read about it. When he was in the hospital for pneumonia he had a 90 or higher oxygen but still had to have lots of meds via IV and nebulizer because of significant pneumonia in one lung.
Danny only had this kind of attack when he was getting sicker and sicker mostly with a cough. It never was so extreme with his fear and clawing desperate suddenly in the night...scary to me too. He has a little cough once in awhile during the days and has very dark circles under his eyes. Dr said he sounded fine but he knows Danny now and told me to watch for certain things.
Dr also thinks the fear is the trouble breathing and said it can be that scary.
You gals really help me to know that I have support and experienced women. Thanks for being here!
****************
May we always be in thankful contemplation of God who presides over us all.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
farmgirl #71 Linda in PA |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2008 : 04:26:55 AM
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LOL! I didn't take it that way at all, Michelle! I know that asthma is VERY real and scary, something you NEVER brush off! It's just so darn hard to figure out what your little one is experiencing! The peak flow meter helped us know when DD was having an asthma attack or just a cold or ect... and when I wasn't sure about something, I kept on the DR!
Blessings! (((HUGS))) & hearts!!!!
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2008 : 06:48:29 AM
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I just remembered! Dr also said that it could be acid reflux! I am supposed to see what happens with eating food. Educational experience for me for sure.
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May we always be in thankful contemplation of God who presides over us all.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
farmgirl #71 Linda in PA |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2008 : 12:00:42 PM
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Linda,
Just a thought...
When my youngest was 4 1/2 he had a similar attack, same symtoms. Took him to the "best" doctors in Chicago at a large hospital. They were wonderful, but... they diagnosed asthma, put him on meds, inhalers etc. They told us to expect him to be in the hopsital 2-4 times a year. I was so upset for him.
About a year later, I kept hearing about this "amazing" doctor locally...from several moms. So I took my son for another opinion. He wasn't asthmatic at all! He has serious nut allergies! And here I was feeding him P & J sandwiches! We had initial testing done in Chicago... but they typically test ONLY for cashews, because it is the nut most people react to. He tested OK...but futher individual tests showed that he is highly allergic to many other nuts and soybeans! It did take individual tests, blood tests, not the scratch kind, to find this out.
Also, as we were weaning our son from the inhalers the new doctor gave us a kind of difuser to use. He said most of the meds in inhalers are lost and children don't get a full dose. Anyway, it unfolded kind of like an accordian, was made of blue plastic. Wish I could remember more as it worked wonders!
Our son was taken off ALL meds by the new doctor, and has had no other problems. He's 14. 
Now, your son may be asthmatic. But I just wanted to relate our experience in case it might help you. Hope this isn't offensive...I know how frightening those attacks can be.
Rhonda
I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance even if I'm the only one...
http://www.kattywhompus.etsy.com |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2008 : 12:18:24 PM
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Thanks Rhonda, I always want to hear experiences and also opinions. Because of the cough and the crooping sound the Dr. says it's lungs and asthma is just a word they use. I have asthma myself and I have trouble using an inhaler...I can't imagine a regular one working for him. I have learned what to avoid to keep myself from wheezing, ex: smoke of any kind, wind, dust, cats, chemicals, sawdust, very cold air, grass, weeds. these things make me wheeze and it hurts. Avoidance is of course the best thing because it is healthy without meds. Glad to hear your son is doing well.
Not offensive at all. Thanks for sharing your experience. I have heard that allergies are alot of our problems with health and we don't even realize it.
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May we always be in thankful contemplation of God who presides over us all.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
farmgirl #71 Linda in PA |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2008 : 2:58:02 PM
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Remember too that with Dad away the emotions can play in to making the attack seem worse --- not saying it's not real just that it doesn't help! I would definetly see about the peak flow meter, spacer and allergy testing. Allergies could also be contributing to the behavior as well as the deployment -- if your insurance will pay (or Tricare) see if you can get him to an allergist in your area and a pulmonary specalist.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
http://timsarmywifey.blogspot.com
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Pammy
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Michigan
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2008 : 3:22:15 PM
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| I don't have any experience with childhood asthma, but developed it myself as an adult after having bronchitis. I was using my inhaler almost daily, especially first thing in the morning. I have not used it for almost 2 months now, this coincides with stopping my diet Coke habit and all other aspartme (Splenda, Nutrasweet). When I first developed the asthma I was drinking lots of diet Coke. just a thought. Pam |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2008 : 3:27:59 PM
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Good ideas! We have tried to get a spacer for inhaler and they are not to be found. I have inhaler but we never use it. It is for school but I haven't really practiced using it with him in a long time. I choose to be on-call for my son and I go right over when they call me. I get called to pick him up if behavior is violent or out of control.
Allergy specialist is a great idea! I think the insurance will pay too.
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May we always be in thankful contemplation of God who presides over us all.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
farmgirl #71 Linda in PA |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2008 : 06:49:03 AM
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If you are able to use Tricare they will pay for you to go to an allergist but you will need a referal from your primary doc/his primary doc. The spacer's are a prescription item.... so you need to get your doc to write a script for one (I think they don't sell them otc as they could easily be used for illegal drugs).
Blessings!
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
http://timsarmywifey.blogspot.com
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Lavendar fields dreamer
True Blue Farmgirl
1032 Posts
little monkeys mommy
washington
USA
1032 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 03:07:26 AM
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hmmm.... 0k s0 why cant a spacer be f0und we have tw0 different types 0f them 0ne is at h0me and the 0ther is at sch00l. d0 y0u see a specialist at all 0r just a regular pediatritian? my daughter is currently 0n pulmic0rt but the dried inhaled kind and they had her 0n it f0r a m0nth t0 see h0w it w0uld w0rk f0r her, all the meds they have put her 0n have always been used f0r atleast a m0nth 0r tw0 cause it takes a while f0r them t0 have there full effect.
he did great with his 0xygen readings during pne0mnia(spelling), my daughter had that a few years ag0 and dr0pped d0wn int0 the l0wer eighties. she had als0 been admitted several times f0r asthma flareups. s0 she is 0n singulair and pulmic0rt. 0k 0fficially rambling s0 s0rry ladies but its late and i have pregg0 brain
lavendar girl
http://lavendarfieldsdreamer.blogspot.com/ |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 04:20:51 AM
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Dr did give me a prescription for the spacer and I went to pharmacies, (drug stores), and also a couple med suppliers and they said they just don't have any..never get them. I only tried the inhaler once for him and it is just too hard to understand. Maybe now he would do better as he's a little older. I have trouble myself using an inhaler. I just use the nebulizer. He has had to use it every 4 hours before but now just as needed. Dr has me using Pulmicort now to keep his lungs from getting inflamed. He said it is important because of the attacks lately and also because of the pneumonia. If he continues having trouble he said he'll add a liquid steriod. So far I have just used his pediatrician, he's has been a good Dr. and unless he refers me I probably stay with just him. Dr. didn't seem surprised at Danny's episodes and said it sounded like asthma.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. You gals are great about helping me.
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May we always be in thankful contemplation of God who presides over us all.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
farmgirl #71 Linda in PA |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2008 : 05:20:14 AM
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While the regular ped may be great you should still ask to at least visit the specalist. You may have to go to a respiratory supply place to get it but you shouldn't, we've always just gotten them from the pharmacy on post -- even if they don't have on in they should be able to order one! Sheesh.... that doesn't sound right, I know a lot of kiddos who have spacers.
Hope he's feeling better on all fronts!
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
http://timsarmywifey.blogspot.com
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Family Matters: Asthma attack.... I want opinions |
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Asthma attack.... I want opinions
