Really bad asthma attack - what can you do?

[jenniferlee]

My 11yo son has a cold right now which always makes his asthma worse. He usually has to use his nebulizer once or twice a day until he gets over it. Well, this morning he had some sort of weird reaction to some dusty sand in his new gecko tank that he just got yesterday. He was messing around in the sand and all of the sudden just couldn't breathe. Like at all. I hooked up the neb. immediately, but he could barely even inhale the medicine, his chest was so tight. It really scared me. He eventually calmed down and by the end of the treatment was breathing better, but still not great.

 

I talked to him and that's how we figured out the dust/sand thing. So obviously we got the tank out of his room immediately. I've cleaned everything in there and changed all his bedding, put him a warm steamy bath which helped as well. I think he'll be alright.

 

but my question is:

Is there anything else you can do for a really bad attack/reaction like that? I mean, he actually said "I'm going to die". I stayed really calm and just kept saying "you'll be fine". But I wasn't so sure. Taking him to the hospital wouldn't work - the closest one is 20 min away and someone who's not breathing isn't going to last that long.

 

I'm pretty worried right now. His asthma has always been so mild - I just don't know what to think or do. Thank God for the nebulizer.

 

Thanks for any suggestions. I know you all are not doctors.:D

[Slartibartfast]

Does he take anything to control his asthma or does he just use the nebulizer?

[Carol in Cal.]

What is in the nebulizer? Is it just albuterol? If so, recognize that it's just working on the symptoms (which is important, of course) not the causes.

 

One fast thing in a case like that is to administer an antihistimine if he can swallow it (I have heard of melting Benedryl strips which might be more effective, but I have not tried them.) In general, too, if you're prone to asthma it is important to attack the symptoms of colds and allergies fairly aggressively--decongentants, neti pots, antihistimines--these work together to prevent asthma from taking hold in response to those illnesses and allergies.

 

He has to force himself to stay calm and breathe slowly and deeply and not cough if he has an acute attack. It's really hard, but it's an essential skill. Also, he should have an albuterol inhaler that is portable, so that if you're taking him to the hospital or away on vacation he can access that medicine, which widens air passages instantly.

 

Also, I think that you should evaluate whether he needs some kind of curative medicine to heal his lungs. If he is always on the edge of asthma, it is time to work more on this, maybe with a steroid spray to start with. Once his lungs are healed, he will be far less susceptible to these kinds of acute episodes.

[Mrs Mungo]

Why is he still on a nebulizer instead of using an inhaler? An inhaler would get the meds into his system faster. Has he seen a pediatric pulmonologist? Have they done a PFT? Has he seen an allergist or had an allergy panel done? He may be at a point where he needs a maintenance medication instead of only a rescue medication. He could also have severe allergy triggers and may need something for that instead. I would talk to his doctor about referrals ASAP.

[The Girls' Mom]

You need to have a rescue inhaler on hand. I would also have him tested for allergies, since severe sudden asthma attacks are often allergen related. Positive results may mean he needs to carry an epi pen.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Is he on a daily med? If not, it sounds like he needs one on board.

 

What you described is grounds for the hospital. It doesn't matter how far away it is. With a severe attack, one usually needs oral steroids to completely get over it. Asthma can be serious, and life threatening. An asthma attack can be so severe that the person requires intubation and a long hospital stay.

 

He should absolutely be seen by a dr today or tomorrow. You need to revisit his asthma plan. He may need stronger emergency meds, different meds, or a combo of meds.

 

For example, when my ds has an attack I give him 3 back to back treatments. If, after all that, he isn't doing better we go to the hospital. If he is a bit better, he is to see the Dr the next day (next day because this always happens at night).

[jenniferlee]

Yes, he has a rescue inhaler. It hardly works when he has a cold. Like just doesn't touch it. He used it twice before we used the neb. and it's just really ineffective. It's been like that since they switched over to the hfa kind. The older ones always worked instantly for him. That's why the dr. gave us the nebulizer.

No, he's not on any steroids. His asthma's never been that bad. That's why this has really shaken me.

 

He has all kinds of food allergies, pollen, cats, etc. So we're very careful about triggers. But this was a new one. and that's what I'm worried about. I don't know when something new will come along that will set him off. And if the rescue inhaler doesn't "rescue" him, what will?

When I told the Dr. at his last appt. that he wasn't responding to the new inhaler well at all, she just sort of shrugged and said, well too bad, here's the neb. prescription.

And yes, it's albuterol in both to whoever asked.

[Joules]

A rescue inhaler and epi-pen sound like a necessity for him. A few quick treatments that can help in less emergency cases:

 

Children's liquid antihistimine - It's absorbed faster and is often easier to swallow than pills. Use the mg per teaspoon to figure the same dose he would use in pill form (I recommend doing this ahead of time and writing it on the bottle.)

 

A strong cup of coffee - again easier to swallow and the caffeine can be a quickly available substitute for albuterol.

 

Chest pressure - I turn a short chair around and lean over the back to force the air out of the chest. Sometimes the problem isn't that you can't breathe in, it's that you can't exhale the old air. If you can force some of the air out with pressure, fresh air will rush in.

 

None of these are as good as the appropriate emergency measures, but if it's all you've got, it's worth a try.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

If he does ever switch to an inhaler, make sure you also use a spacer like this- http://www.aerochambervhc.com/

[Mrs Mungo]

If this was my child I would be asking to see a pulmonologist. There are lots of meds he could take that work better than albuterol. I would also take him to the allergist because he may need an epipen.

[jenniferlee]

amo - when you say you give 3 back to back treatments, do you mean 3 nebulizer treatments? That would stress me out.

 

Also, I don't know anything about oral steroids. Is it something that helps right away.

 

I guess I'm realizing that there is a lot I don't know about asthma. We've just sort of coasted.

 

Does asthma typically get worse when people get older? I just assumed (for not real reason) that it would get better.:tongue_smilie:

[amo_mea_filiis.]

And if the rescue inhaler doesn't "rescue" him, what will?

When I told the Dr. at his last appt. that he wasn't responding to the new inhaler well at all, she just sort of shrugged and said, well too bad, here's the neb. prescription.

 

A medic or Dr could give him epinephrine, and/or add atrovent to the nebulized mix.

 

If he wasn't using the inhaler right (many, many people use them wrong) he was just eating the meds and that's why it didn't help.

[J-rap]

I've always heard that the nebulizer gets into the system faster than a rescue inhaler. When my daughters had a rather sudden and bad attack, we would always take out the nebulizer; if it was a smaller attack, we'd use the rescue inhaler.

 

If is asthma is chronic, have you considered preventative daily meds? This would be something like Advair, Singular, etc. It is usually in the form of an inhaler. (It's different than a rescue inhaler.)

 

My daughters' asthma was always more chronic in the fall, so that's when they needed to be on preventative meds. A few times, their asthma got so bad they needed to go on steroids for a week or so. You should see if your doctor would recommend that. It would bring the inflammation that has built up down to normal levels again. (At least that's my understanding.) Once that happens, then the other meds (whether it be inhalers or nebulizer) would work better.

 

We always kept a one-week supply of steroids at home, just in case. We were ready to do almost anything that an emergency room could do.

[Slartibartfast]

Yes, he has a rescue inhaler. It hardly works when he has a cold. Like just doesn't touch it. He used it twice before we used the neb. and it's just really ineffective. It's been like that since they switched over to the hfa kind. The older ones always worked instantly for him. That's why the dr. gave us the nebulizer.

No, he's not on any steroids. His asthma's never been that bad. That's why this has really shaken me.

 

He has all kinds of food allergies, pollen, cats, etc. So we're very careful about triggers. But this was a new one. and that's what I'm worried about. I don't know when something new will come along that will set him off. And if the rescue inhaler doesn't "rescue" him, what will?

When I told the Dr. at his last appt. that he wasn't responding to the new inhaler well at all, she just sort of shrugged and said, well too bad, here's the neb. prescription.

And yes, it's albuterol in both to whoever asked.

 

Your dr isn't responding to his needs. You need to see someone else. There are different types of inhalers.

 

Also, she should have been doing tests or referring him to a specialist if his inhaler wasn't touching his asthma. I would get an appointment with an allergist and a pulmonologist.

 

What people don't understand about asthma is that when it is not controlled it can result in damage. It permanently SCARS the lungs, untreated asthma can effect someone the rest of their life..

 

You need to take him to someone who will take this seriously and get him the treatment he needs.

Edited August 23, 2011 by Sis

[amo_mea_filiis.]

amo - when you say you give 3 back to back treatments, do you mean 3 nebulizer treatments? That would stress me out.

 

 

Every plan is different, as is every person. Yes, for my son, 3 back to back in the neb. In other words, I sit him between my legs on a bed or couch, and continue treatment, only turning off the machine to put in the next vial of meds.

 

This is because when he has an attack the ER usually had to do 2-3 treatments, but he was never admitted. So now we avoid the ER unless absolutely necessary.

 

We also use a peak flow meter, and I have a stethoscope and pulse oximeter to monitor him.

[J-rap]

Also, my daughters' asthma (3 of my 5 had it) improved as they got older. The daughter who had it worst actually has none at all once she moved from our home state!

[Mrs Mungo]

Also, I don't know anything about oral steroids. Is it something that helps right away.

 

A lot of daily maintenance meds contain an oral steroid. They help prevent an asthma attack from taking place at all. Otherwise, oral steroids (in pill form) take about 4 hours to work.

 

Does asthma typically get worse when people get older? I just assumed (for not real reason) that it would get better.:tongue_smilie:

 

Kids sometimes outgrow asthma. But, it depends upon why they have problems in the first place. If your sons allergies are getting worse, then his asthma attacks may increase in severity or frequency.

 

If he wasn't using the inhaler right (many, many people use them wrong) he was just eating the meds and that's why it didn't help.

 

Did he have a chamber? Did you see an asthma nurse to teach him how to use the inhaler?

[Perry]

but my question is:

Is there anything else you can do for a really bad attack/reaction like that? I mean, he actually said "I'm going to die". I stayed really calm and just kept saying "you'll be fine". But I wasn't so sure. Taking him to the hospital wouldn't work - the closest one is 20 min away and someone who's not breathing isn't going to last that long.

I would have called an ambulance. If he hadn't responded to the nebulizers, he would have needed more treatment and possible intubation.

 

I would also be making an appointment with a pulmonologist.

[DaffodilDreams]

First a rescue inhaler treatment.

 

Additionally, grab the muscles in the top part of his back, pull them up and away. Repeat for as long as necessary. This helps loosen the constriction of the airway. My acupuncturist taught my dh how to do this on me. It does help.

 

But, absolutely, if you think or he thinks that the lack of air is at a life-threatening point, then please seek emergency medical care.

[jenniferlee]

He used to have the chamber/spacer. But they didn't seem to think he needed it anymore. Like I said, the older inhalers worked like a miracle every time. So I don't know what to do now that you can't get them anymore.

 

I don't know how to see another dr. We are on state health care and there is only one clinic to go to.

 

A lot of you have mentioned an epi pen. We have one. I had no idea you could use it for asthma. I thought it was only for allergic reactions to food.

 

also, benadryl. I have only used this for food reactions. Does it help with asthma? The dr. has never mentioned this to me.

 

And I'm feeling really dumb now. I don't even know what a pulmonologist is. Special lung dr.?

[Slartibartfast]

He used to have the chamber/spacer. But they didn't seem to think he needed it anymore. Like I said, the older inhalers worked like a miracle every time. So I don't know what to do now that you can't get them anymore.

 

I don't know how to see another dr. We are on state health care and there is only one clinic to go to.

 

A lot of you have mentioned an epi pen. We have one. I had no idea you could use it for asthma. I thought it was only for allergic reactions to food.

 

also, benadryl. I have only used this for food reactions. Does it help with asthma? The dr. has never mentioned this to me.

 

And I'm feeling really dumb now. I don't even know what a pulmonologist is. Special lung dr.?

 

Yes, it is a respiratory Dr. Please do not feel dumb, people responding in this thread have asthma or children with asthma/lung conditions.

 

You will likely need to go to a children's hospital to see one, they usually have some sort of payment assistance.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

A pulmonologist is a lung Dr.

 

My son has always been on state insurance and we've had some (although not many) great Drs.

 

He should still use the chamber. It is even being recommended that adults use one. It is very hard to time breathing with an inhaler, especially during an emergency.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Yes, it is a respiratory Dr. Please do not feel dumb, people responding in this thread have asthma or children with asthma/lung conditions.

 

:iagree:

[Carol in Cal.]

Epi and benedryl are treatments for allergies, so since it sounded like this was asthma triggered by a severe allergic reaction, that's why those were mentioned. Albuterol widens the air passages a bit, temporarily. That's why it's called a 'rescue' drug. It doesn't, though, cure the lungs from from the inflammation that tends to contribute to asthma and sensitivities. That's why we are talking about lung specialists and about steroid inhalers. Steroids do not work quickly, but they do heal over a period of several weeks or more. They might be needed to solve underlying lung inflammation. They won't help with a sudden attack like he just had, but they can reduce the likelihood of a recurrence.

[Mrs Mungo]

He used to have the chamber/spacer. But they didn't seem to think he needed it anymore. Like I said, the older inhalers worked like a miracle every time. So I don't know what to do now that you can't get them anymore.

 

The chamber helps you breathe the medicine down into your lungs. Doctors are putting kids back on them since the propellants have been taken out of the inhalers.

 

I don't know how to see another dr. We are on state health care and there is only one clinic to go to.

1. Call the insurance and ask what the steps are to get a referral.

2. Ask the doctor you normally see for referrals to an allergist and pulmonologist.

 

A lot of you have mentioned an epi pen. We have one. I had no idea you could use it for asthma. I thought it was only for allergic reactions to food.

This seemed to be triggered by an allergic attack, that's why we mentioned them.

 

also, benadryl. I have only used this for food reactions. Does it help with asthma? The dr. has never mentioned this to me.

Again, if the asthma is being triggered by an allergic reaction, then the benadryl might help.

 

And I'm feeling really dumb now. I don't even know what a pulmonologist is. Special lung dr.?

Don't feel dumb. My son has COPD and I've been dealing with lung stuff (not allergies though) since he was 3.

 

Epi and benedryl are treatments for allergies, so since it sounded like this was asthma triggered by a severe allergic reaction, that's why those were mentioned. Albuterol widens the air passages a bit, temporarily. That's why it's called a 'rescue' drug. It doesn't, though, cure the lungs from from the inflammation that tends to contribute to asthma and sensitivities. That's why we are talking about lung specialists and about steroid inhalers. Steroids do not work quickly, but they do heal over a period of several weeks or more. They might be needed to solve underlying lung inflammation. They won't help with a sudden attack like he just had, but they can reduce the likelihood of a recurrence.

 

Right. You need to take care of the inflammation. If left unchecked asthma can cause permanent scarring in his lungs that has a strong possibility of reduced lung function for the rest of his life.

[Chris in VA]

My son has asthma, and I know what you mean about feeling dumb. It wasn't until he was about 7 that I started to take him to a dr who really knew how to treat it.

I would recommend you get him to a pulmonologist, and get an asthma treatment plan. IMO, he should be taking peak flows every day. Our plan was like this, and ds was on a maintenance inhaier, too.

3 treatments in a row is called a clear-out.

 

And I hope Aubrey's hubby is listening to this thread.

 

Asthma is life-threatening. A dear girl of 17 in our church congregation died from an asthma attack. They were proactive parents--it was awful.

[Jennifer in MI]

:grouphug: I don't have any more to add. But, I really feel for you. We were blessed with a wonderful allergist/pediatrician/pulmanologist (yes, she's all three!) when our then-1 yo started showing signs of asthma and allergies. She's the ONLY reason I know what I know about asthma. If you've been getting sub-standard care (and you have), there's no reason you should know.

 

:grouphug:

 

Don't hesitate next time to give the epi pen and then call 911.

[blondeviolin]

Firstly, good for you for keeping cool!

 

Secondly, recognize that asthma has two components: inflammation and constriction. Inflammation can come as an after-response, so keep a close eye on him. You may call his doc and ask for a script of oral steroids to combat that potential response. When your lungs start to rapidly close like that, it is usually understood to be restriction and not inflammation (yet!) causing the issue. Nebulized albuterol has smaller parts than an inhaler so you did just fine! You might check with his doctor to see about the possibility of a back-to-back dose in an emergency. Albuterol will make your heart race, though, so if he is needing it frequently, it'd be best he's under the care of a doctor. Epinephrine can be used to combat lung restriction, but only in a severe situation. I have used theme for asthma, but only with the understanding that I should go to the emergency department right afterward.

 

If the HFA inhalers aren't helping, also consider discussing with his doctor the option of a portable neb. They are nebs that run on batteries or plug into your cigarette outlet.

 

Also realize that if he does have severe allergies, it could have been also been mostly an allergic reaction that triggered the lungs. In an instance like that, an antihistamine can remove the trigger that is causing restriction. A lot of allergists treat asthma as well so you might ask your doctor for an asthma/allergy specialist.

 

Definitely talk with a doctor. If he thinks that's scary, it can become a lot worse and, take it from me, intubation is no fun.

[jenniferlee]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and help. It really means a lot to me.

I'll work on getting the spacer back immediately. It makes so much sense. I'll also ask the dr. about the oral steroids.

 

Also, I'm understanding the allergy/benadryl connection now. I guess we've always used it for food reactions. I never thought to use it for something like this, but he obviously did react to something, not just his normal "I have a cold thing".

 

This whole thing is so frustrating. one week ago he was at the dr. and they listened to his lungs and said he sounded great. His airflow was great. Not using his inhaler very much at all. And now this. It just hit me so fast...

 

Jen

[Slartibartfast]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and help. It really means a lot to me.

I'll work on getting the spacer back immediately. It makes so much sense. I'll also ask the dr. about the oral steroids.

 

Also, I'm understanding the allergy/benadryl connection now. I guess we've always used it for food reactions. I never thought to use it for something like this, but he obviously did react to something, not just his normal "I have a cold thing".

 

This whole thing is so frustrating. one week ago he was at the dr. and they listened to his lungs and said he sounded great. His airflow was great. Not using his inhaler very much at all. And now this. It just hit me so fast...

 

Jen

 

Your Dr likely has very little understanding of asthma, particularly if they are just blowing off his inhaler not working.

 

I wouldn't go back to that Dr and I wouldn't discuss medication with them. They do not know what they are talking about. Yes, they could just write a script but that does not mean they know what is going on. If your son was scared he would die it is serious and he likely needs to be looked at with more care. I would take him to a specialist.

 

Even if you have to drive five hours to an appointment, I would do it.

 

ETA: Children's hospitals generally have programs to assist with bills. My son was in the NICU and our hospital bills were more than our house is worth. Dh generally makes too much for any assistance but they helped us and you can likely qualify for something.

Edited August 23, 2011 by Sis

[CourtneyMI]

I have had very severe asthma my whole life and your dr is not treating this with the care it needs. Call her today and demand that she write you a referral to a pulmonologist right away. Your son needs additional medication for everyday care in addition to a rescue plan. I agree about allergy testing too because that will help you with his asthma care as well. I know peak flow meters helped me when I was younger because they showed me when I started to get sick.

 

As for the insurance issue, they should pay for a specialist to see him and if it doesn't, there should be a special insurance that is issued for chronically ill children. If you are in MI, it's called children's special healthcare. I know several other states have similar policies and plans. HTH!

[Carol in Cal.]

I'll also ask the dr. about the oral steroids.

 

Usually they start steroids with the inhaled kind. Those are more localized in their action, so they are milder in their overall effects. Oral steroids are for very severe cases, but they are quite a bit more effective and faster acting than the inhaled steroids are.

[Pretty in Pink]

Don't feel dumb. You have trusted your doctor and your doctor has come up short. That isn't your fault. IME, a lot of doctors think they know about treating asthma. They don't.

 

Ask for two referrals: allergist and pulmonologist.

 

You need another spacer/chamber. I know they can be expensive (the last time I priced one it was 27.00). If you can't get a script and cost is an issue, please PM me. I'll send you one of ours. We have several.

 

If your son has another attack like that and the rescue inhaler is not working for him please do not hesitate to call 911. That's what it's for. Asthma attacks can go very wrong, very fast. When in doubt, call. :grouphug:

[dsmith]

I just wanted to put out the possibility of a laryngospasm. I used to work in a bakery, and a few times I walked into the back room into a huge cloud of flour. My throat completely closed up and I couldn't breathe in at all. I could manage some air out, but it was very wheezy sounding. It took a bit before I could get some air in, also very wheezy sounding. My boss called the ambulance, thinking it was a severe asthma attack. (I typically only have problems while exercising or on very hot days) This happened once when juice went down the wrong way, and another time from drywall dust. I could see myself having the same reaction from the gravel dust you described.

[*********]

:grouphug: I don't have any more to add. But, I really feel for you. We were blessed with a wonderful allergist/pediatrician/pulmanologist (yes, she's all three!) when our then-1 yo started showing signs of asthma and allergies. She's the ONLY reason I know what I know about asthma. If you've been getting sub-standard care (and you have), there's no reason you should know.

 

:grouphug:

 

Don't hesitate next time to give the epi pen and then call 911.

 

Jennifer, I'm gonna ask you to pm me with this dr's info if you wouldn't mind. I'd love to have it on file. My dss has bad asthma, and Moose may be heading in that direction as well.

[Pink Fairy]

My youngest sometimes needs breathing treatments when he gets a really bad cold (we have a nebulizer), but I would not expect him to go from that to a potentially life threatening attack, and I have asthma myself. In other words, not your fault! I agree that he may need maintenance meds, perhaps a steroid. Once I started on the inhaled steroids, it was almost like I didn't even have asthma anymore. I am to the point now where I very, very rarely need to use my albuterol, and I'm off steroids completely. It's important to get it under control to minimize damage to his lungs, and hopefully he will grow out of it--many kids do!

 

:grouphug:

[Little Nyssa]

I used to be in this position too. Then ds finally saw an asthma specialist who got him on the right meds so that the attacks don't happen. I dont know why our ped tried to manage it on his own for so long. Things will change for your ds once he gets on preventative meds.

I also had a lady from the American Lung Assoc come and inspect our house & she gave me a lot of good tips, and it was free.

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

Why is he still on a nebulizer instead of using an inhaler? An inhaler would get the meds into his system faster. Has he seen a pediatric pulmonologist? Have they done a PFT? Has he seen an allergist or had an allergy panel done? He may be at a point where he needs a maintenance medication instead of only a rescue medication. He could also have severe allergy triggers and may need something for that instead. I would talk to his doctor about referrals ASAP.

 

From my experience exacerbations of asthma with colds and other lung issues were most times given nebulizers but she should ask the doctor:). He may need a an oral steroid when he gets a cold. He definitely should see a pulmonologist and it sounds like he should be on some sort of steroid inhaler and/or other daily maintenance meds. I agree about the allergist as well but it could have simply have been all the dust combined with his cold and asthma.

[Jennifer in MI]

Jennifer, I'm gonna ask you to pm me with this dr's info if you wouldn't mind. I'd love to have it on file. My dss has bad asthma, and Moose may be heading in that direction as well.

 

Feel free! I'd be happy to share. She's in Eastpointe at Grosse Pointe Allergy and Asthma - so it'd be a haul for you. Sorry to hear about your kids' asthma. She WILL give you drugs. Lots of them. It was hard for me to take as I tend to be much more naturally-minded with illness. But, she was great at explaining why this child was different and needed the medication. :grouphug:

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

Yes, he has a rescue inhaler. It hardly works when he has a cold. Like just doesn't touch it. He used it twice before we used the neb. and it's just really ineffective. It's been like that since they switched over to the hfa kind. The older ones always worked instantly for him. That's why the dr. gave us the nebulizer.

No, he's not on any steroids. His asthma's never been that bad. That's why this has really shaken me.

 

He has all kinds of food allergies, pollen, cats, etc. So we're very careful about triggers. But this was a new one. and that's what I'm worried about. I don't know when something new will come along that will set him off. And if the rescue inhaler doesn't "rescue" him, what will?

When I told the Dr. at his last appt. that he wasn't responding to the new inhaler well at all, she just sort of shrugged and said, well too bad, here's the neb. prescription.

And yes, it's albuterol in both to whoever asked.

They do have mini nebulizers that you can ask your doctor about for when he is on the road. I would still want a regular nebulizer on hand though as well as a rescue inhaler. What is the name brand of his rescue inhaler? I ask because I have heard that some respond better with Ventolin HFA with a counter than to ProAir HFA. I just got a script for Ventolin. Both are albuterol but the formulations are slightly different and Ventolin has a counter which is a plus.

[5knights3maidens]

For immediate help with an asthma attack for myself....This is going to sound funny but, I've all ready stuck my head in the freezer and it helped....I don't know why. ?

Edited August 23, 2011 by 5knights3maidens

[JudyJudyJudy]

Oh, Jennifer, I'm so sorry that you had to deal with such a scary experience.

 

Others have given great advice, so I won't repeat what they have said. However, I'll add some different thoughts. First, I would find a home for the gecko, not just put him in a different room. It's just not worth the risk of your son's coming in contact with the dusty sand again.

 

Also, I'd get rid of fragrances and toxic cleaning products that you probably have in the home. I have severe chemical sensitivities, and I had to get rid of all of that. After eliminating all of that stuff, I realized that even before I had realized that these products were affecting me, they were making me sick. Especially important was that by our removing all of these dangerous products, my son's asthma improved tremendously. He's 12 now, and he no longer needs daily meds. The only times he ever needs a rescue inhaler is when he gets a very bad cold, when he is exposed to extremes in temperatures or humidity, or when he is exposed to certain chemicals. In fact, now that I think about it, I don't think he has used his inhaler in over a year. The last time he needed it was when he was exposed to an air freshener.

 

When I say to remove fragrances, I'm including perfume, air fresheners, shampoos, soaps, laundry products, and more. As for cleaning, stick to more natural stuff like vinegar (if he isn't allergic), hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and borax. If he's particularly sensitive to dusty stuff, don't pour the baking soda and borax when he's in the same room.

 

If you have any questions about any of this, I'll be more than happy to help. There is a learning curve in all of this. Take care.

[jenniferlee]

thanks again you guys for encouraging me to get better care. I will see what we can do. I wish we lived closer to a metro center. We're just so far away from anything. And like I've said, it just hasn't been an issue before...

But it's clear we need to do something. Poor kid.

[Pink Fairy]

For immediate help....This is going to sound funny but, I've all ready stuck my head in the freezer and it helped.

 

That does sound kind of funny. :lol: Did you get it out yet, or is it still in there?

 

Let me guess-Ipad/Iphone? :D All my I-friends' emails read like this, lol.

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

Here is an example of a mini neb. I have seen smaller hand held ones. too but this one seems small and has a battery as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Respironics-MiniElite-Portable-Compressor-Nebulizer/dp/B004EBO7P0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1314130923&sr=8-6

[jenniferlee]

Judy,

thanks so much for your support and ideas. I wish we had some bad chemicals to blame and get rid of, but we are the most natural family I know.

I haven't used any chemical soaps or cleaners for 10 years. baking soda and dr. bronner's is it for us.

 

We also eat extremely healthy,make all the food from scratch. don't eat gluten, etc.

 

my husband has severe fragrance/chemical/msg problems, so that stuff has been out for a long time.

I wish sometimes that it would be that simple for us.

 

I think the gecko situation will be ok. He had one for over a year and it had sand from the beach in the tank, which has zero dust and we didn't have any trouble with it.

 

This was a new tank with sand stuff in it from the previous owner. So we are going to change the whole thing out, clean all the stuff (and the geckos) and try again with something natural. Or just use rubber.

 

anyway thanks again,

That is the first thing I would suggest for someone as well if I didn't know their situation.

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

Usually they start steroids with the inhaled kind. Those are more localized in their action, so they are milder in their overall effects. Oral steroids are for very severe cases, but they are quite a bit more effective and faster acting than the inhaled steroids are.

 

True but asthma coupled with a cold or bronchial infection may need a short regimen of oral steroids in addition to any daily maintenance meds such as inhaled steroids. Plus the doctor may recommend with colds/bronchitis nebs with albuterol 4 to 6 times a day as ordered. This what happens to me:(

[jenniferlee]

Priscilla -

we did switch to the ventolin, because it seemed slightly better.

 

I will look into the mini neb. that would be super handy. I've been worried about going camping or something.

[Sandra in FL]

Very scary. In that situation, I would use an epi-pen, call #911, give him prednisolone (oral steroid) and Benadryl in that order.

 

Magnesium sulphate (commonly called epsom salts) is used in emergency rooms to treat severe asthma attacks - see links below. So while waiting for the ambulance, in such a desperate situation, I'd try to get some into him either by spraying/rubbing an epsom salt/water solution into his skin (chest) since he probably wouldn't be able to swallow anything.

 

Sounds from your posts that your ds' asthma is not severe, but with the combination of having a bad cold on top of the allergic reaction, it created a life-threatening situation. Please see a pulmonologist.

 

My ds had a life-threatening reaction to the TDap vaccine (couldn't breathe) in the ped's office. After that, the ped prescribed the prednisolone to carry with him (he already carried an epi-pen and Benadryl). However, he's not on any steroid inhalant (such as Pulmicort) because he's fine except when he has a cold (already compromised). I do give him choline (500mg every day) and when he has a cold, I give him NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine) to loosen the mucous.

 

http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001490.html

 

http://www.yourhealthbase.com/database/a142a.htm

[JudyJudyJudy]

Judy,

thanks so much for your support and ideas. I wish we had some bad chemicals to blame and get rid of, but we are the most natural family I know.

I haven't used any chemical soaps or cleaners for 10 years. baking soda and dr. bronner's is it for us.

 

We also eat extremely healthy,make all the food from scratch. don't eat gluten, etc.

 

my husband has severe fragrance/chemical/msg problems, so that stuff has been out for a long time.

I wish sometimes that it would be that simple for us.

 

I think the gecko situation will be ok. He had one for over a year and it had sand from the beach in the tank, which has zero dust and we didn't have any trouble with it.

 

This was a new tank with sand stuff in it from the previous owner. So we are going to change the whole thing out, clean all the stuff (and the geckos) and try again with something natural. Or just use rubber.

 

anyway thanks again,

That is the first thing I would suggest for someone as well if I didn't know their situation.

Do you use lavender, tea tree oil, or anything like that? Those things are triggers for me and ds. We can't even handle Dr. Bronner's unscented. Oh, and one more thing: Smoke is a huge trigger, whether from a fireplace, wood burning stove, or whatever.