Allergy Induced Asthma

Hi C.,
My daughter developed asthma at about the same age. I didn't know much about it then, but now (she's 17) looking back I would have done ANYTHING to stop or reduce the asthma. You are terrified they will not be able to breathe, not have their medicine, all kinds of things constantly. They cant go on carnival rides, you worry about letting them go to cedar pointe (i know these things are not what you're dealing with yet, but they will be), the schools dont let them carry their inhaler - its to be left in the office. I'm sorry if I sound like I'm trying to scare you, but if you're making a decision regarding keeping the dog or not.. i love my dog too, but my child comes first. This disease is horrendous. Possible hospitalizations, steroids, weight gain from the medicine. Colds, flu, pneumonia.. they all take on new meaning. Breathing machines and the medicines and pieces to go with it. I can go on and on. It's terrible for both your child and yourself. If there is anything you can do to stop it now, DO IT!. If you have any questions, please ask.

My son just turned one and for the last 3 months we have been in and out of doctors offices, hospitals, specialists, all a totally crazy experience. one claims asthma, another claims allergy, another claims deficiency. It has been a terrible terrible experience. At one point my child was only ten months old, on six different oral medications and two different medications for the nebulizer. I was sick of all these meds and not to mention NONE of it was helping my child. He was still very sick, couldn't breath, low oxygen levels, constant hacking, wheezing, sneezing, looked pale dark circles around his eyes. I did my own research. Started giving him daily doses of B12 and almost instantly he was fine. He is now on no medication and has not had a problem since I started him on b12. It was almost like a miracle at how fast it worked.

When a person is allergic to dogs and cats, they are really allergic to their dander(the shed bits of skin and such). They only way that I can think to control this, is to frequently bathe your dog, and brush the dog frequently, preferrably outdoors. This should limit the amount of the allergen that your child is exposed to. You might also vacuum daily, and maybe consider getting one of those air purification units, to trap dander and other allergens that escape other control methods.

hi. i am a asthmatic. i have had it all my life. it is scary but it is life. i am allergic to cats, dogs, grass alot of things. first get the medicine. second do not get rid of the dog. third my sure you bath the dog. fourth take it one day at a time. sometime you grow out of it sometime you don't. just keep an eye on it. my son has it too. well half of my family has it. we learn to deal with it. get a humifier it helps. my son was 1 when they found out he had it. it really depends on the person cause his does not start alot. when i was his age all the time. he can run and be fine. i run and feel like i will die. but again it is according on the person. if it is very scary for you research it. talk to hotlines that deal with it. but make sure you get the medicine cause it helps. you never know your child might grow out of it.

I would first get him into a ped allergist. They can help you find out what other allerigies he may have and how you can help your son stay away from triggers. Both my boys and I have allergies. My oldest son and I have asthma. We chose not to have pets due to our allergies , especially cats. There are many different things you can do and the specialist will be able to help you with your questions. I just sent one of my daycare parents to my sons allergist. Her daughter is 3 and the Ped wanted to keep her on Steriods all winter due to her asthma. I knew this wasn't good because of my experiance with my son. Turns out she does have allergies and they didn't want her on steriods the whole winter and helped her develop a treatment plan for her daughter. She was very glad she went, she also found out what her daughter was allergic to. Asthma can be scary and the more you can avoid your son have it occur the better. It can't hurt to go.

Kristina mentioned about her child being allergic to dogs and when the dog left the child didn't get better. But unless you cleaned all your floors and carpet venting system etc. It takes awhile for all the dander that is dropped by the animals to be gone. It has to be all cleaned. That is why both our homes we have had were new. We could never live in a home where pets were at due to the smells and dander. With us we would rather be safe then sorry when it comes to animals. There is a dog out there who is supposed to be more for those who have allergies it is called a Labradoodle there are a few different types of them. But I have thought about getting one of them. Just they cost some money to get. They are a cross breed between a labrador and poodle.

I had a quick question I just wanted to ask....What allergy Doctor did you take him to go see? Just wondering if he is the same one I took my daughter too. You don't have to respond if it makes you uncomfortable.

Finally a Dr using his brain cells. First thing you do is take your child out of the house for the day and clean real good. Especially his room and primary play area. The dog should be blocked out from being able to be in his room where he sleeps. Give the dog a bath every couple weeks or more if needed.
And DON'T just put the dog outside because they will just drag in MORE allergens and dirt when they are back and forth more.
Washing his hands when he plays with the dogs is good advice as well. By allowing him the opportunity to develop his own immunities to the allergies now- You are helping him with his allergies as an adult. They will not be as severe. Allergy shots and such are used to help boost the immunities by giving shots of what you are allergic to- You have the natural source, although with as bad as this year as been for allergies it may not be all dog. Pollen has been horrible this year already and I usually don't have too many problems but have been feeling it more this year. I by the way am highly allergic to everything they tested me for and live with 3 100lb inside dogs (that shed constantly) and had a longhaired cat up until a year ago when he passed.
It can be done, you just have to follow a few guidelines.
C.

I am suprised at the number of people who would rather stuff there chid with drugs to deal with a pet allergy, instead of finding a permanent solution. Do your research find a good adoption agency and find a new home for your pet. It is hard to do, you have probably had that pet longer than your child but drugging your child is not the best way to go.
My daughter has allergies, asthma and ecema. I had to find a home for my 2 cats, I still miss them but at least I don't have to worry about her allergie to them.
Your doctor won't tell you to get rid of your pets but when you tell them you did, the look on his/her face will tell you that you should have done it sooner.