Asthma questions

kmm2150

Dd (2) just got diagnosed with asthma- also has some kind of upper respiratory thing going on. I'm freaked out and would love some tips on how to recognize an asthma attack or when more serious treatment is needed. Should've asked at the doctor but just didn't think of it. I'm sitting by her now analizi g every breath and movement and freaking myself out.

katelynb83

I don't post often, but have a fair amount of experience with asthma....my son was diagnosed at 10 months old with it (and food allergies) and I'm a pediatric nurse.

Did you DD get sent home with a nebulizer for attacks and/or a daily medication?  The big things we look for are coughing that doesn't stop, wheezing, or if his skin is retracting around his collarbone or below his ribs. Any of those= an albuterol treatment. If symptoms persist after the treatment, call your pedi for advice on if you should repeat treatment or go to ER. 

With asthma kids, you can pretty much not go wrong with going to ER or urgent care if they are still struggling after a nebulizer. Breathing should be quiet and not taking any effort- so a kid with respiratory distress will be loud, you'll see their muscles working to breath (around rib cage and collar bone are most common).  I'm surprised and disappointed that your pedi didn't go through an "asthma action plan" with you that clearly outlines what meds to give for what symptoms and what to do if the medication doesn't work.  Can you ask for a referral to an asthma educator? (that visit should be free with new insurance guidelines). I found our visit to be very helpful in learning about the different medication options, managements, and treatments,

I hope your DD is doing better. A humidifier may help her at night, but be careful to make sure it is free of any mold/mildew. We don't do a humidifier all the time, but I  know friends who have wood stoves or forced hot air heat that have to run one 100% of the time in the winter.