Mr. Asthma

Question:

Hi Sara, I’m a non-asthmatic parent of a nine-year old who developed asthma sometime in his first year of life. The others have posted excellent clinical information and I can’t add much to that. However, if you’re looking for support and sharing from other parents in a similar situation, you might want to check out my site. It’s non-commercial, and non-profit, for parents of kids with asthma. There are a discussion board and mailing list, as well as refererence material and tips and hints from parents. http://asthmatrack.org/ HTH ~Jeanne

Response:

> Can someone tell me what symptons young babies have if they have asthma, my > baby is 4 months old and the doctor has told me he has alergies as he seems > to have constant noisy breathing, however he didn’t say he has asthma. > I myself have asthma and know what it feels like, but with a baby they can’t > tell you, > Does anyone have any advise? > Sara and baby Joseph

Many pediatric texts, especially older and slightly out of date ones will tell you that it is impossible to have asthma and allergies until after one year old. The thought is that the exposure to allergens takes place in the first year and then the allergy symptoms can come out in the second year. It is now recognized that it is possible for an infant to have allergies but it is still thought to be unusual. Occasionally one will see a toddler who has fairly clear allergy symptoms but not often. Infants, including 4 month olds, often have stuffy noses and noisy breathing. This is normal and does not mean he is destined to go on to develop allergies. I suppose it may be possible for him to have an allergy now but it would be extremely hard to make the diagnosis. It would have to be something to which he has been exposed repeatedly. it really could not yet be trees, grasses, or pollens (the normal allergens of seasonal rhinnitis/allergies). If the pediatrician thinks it is allergies I would be curious as to what he thinks the child is allergic. If the baby has asthma, more likely to be labeled reactive airways at this age, then the doc will hear wheezing on exam. Other than that it can be hard to tell. — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.

Response:

> Can someone tell me what symptoms young babies have if they have asthma, my > baby is 4 months old and the doctor has told me he has allergies as he seems > to have constant noisy breathing, however he didn’t say he has asthma. > I myself have asthma and know what it feels like, but with a baby they can’t > tell you, > Does anyone have any advise?

Our son Dylan had what I thought was asthma when he was 6 months old.  He also has very bad allergies.  For allergies, he has been taking Zyrtec for over a year. The symptoms for allergies were raspy breathing and 65 breaths per minute (should be around 40) also we noticed his chest caving in deeply trying to get air.  We put Dylan on a 5 day program of Prelone and a nebulizer with Albuterol.  His breathing became better.  The doctors said that he has the "symptoms" of asthma but they couldn’t call it asthma due to his young age. They also thought it was blocked air passages in his sinuses and/or bronchial tubes.  After spending 5 days in the hospital undergoing tests with a camera in his tubes, they ruled it as asthma. He usually has an attack when the temperature drops to the 60’s.  I would suggest taking Joseph to a Nose, Throat and Ear specialist.  They also ruled out Cystic Fibrosis.  Those doctors see this all the time and can better recommend a treatment for your son. To be honest with you.  There are a lot of decisions you are going to have to make for your son.  We had to call off a number of test that we as Dylans parents thought were going over board.  Remember, these doctors don’t know your son as well as you do.  Some of their testing may seem like it is TOO MUCH, but they are just trying to be very thorough. They may even tell you that Joesph’s sinuses have not fully developed yet therefore the breathing may still be noisy.  That was the case with our daughter. Good luck! David

Response:

>Can someone tell me what symptons young babies have if they have asthma, my >baby is 4 months old and the doctor has told me he has alergies as he seems >to have constant noisy breathing, however he didn’t say he has asthma. >I myself have asthma and know what it feels like, but with a baby they can’t >tell you, >Does anyone have any advise?

Corner your doctor and make him give you a definite answer? "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

Can someone tell me what symptons young babies have if they have asthma, my baby is 4 months old and the doctor has told me he has alergies as he seems to have constant noisy breathing, however he didn’t say he has asthma. I myself have asthma and know what it feels like, but with a baby they can’t tell you, Does anyone have any advise? Sara and baby Joseph

Response:

> Can someone tell me what symptons young babies have if they have asthma, my > baby is 4 months old and the doctor has told me he has alergies as he seems > to have constant noisy breathing, however he didn’t say he has asthma. > I myself have asthma and know what it feels like, but with a baby they can’t > tell you, > Does anyone have any advise? > Sara and baby Joseph

See: http://www.ama-assn.org/aps/asthma/infant.htm What If Your Infant Has Asthma? Excerpt: "Watch your infant closely for signs to seek emergency care. These signs include: Breathing rate increases (to over 40 breaths per minute while the infant is sleeping). Count the number of breaths in 15 seconds and multiply by 4. Suckling or feeding stops, or becomes difficult. Skin between your infant’s ribs is pulled tight. Chest gets bigger. Coloring changes (pale or red face; fingernails turn blue). Cry changes in quality becomes softer and shorter. Nostrils open wider (nasal flaring). Grunting. Be prepared. Do not wait until the last minute to learn how to handle an emergency. Have an asthma action plan that includes how you’ll get to your physician or hospital and who will watch your other children. "