Allergy Shots and Asthma Meds

I HIGHLY reccomend the same book that Linda B below suggests: "Healing the New Childhood Epidemic: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies" by Dr. Kenneth Bock. He does an awesome job both explaining what is going on and planning out a healing program. I can't even imagine what you must be going through :(

my youngest son had allergy testing and shot starting bout age 5...fortunately he didn't have asthma i have that so i can't help with that but the shots can help in time....he got them for 5 yrs and he is pretty much allergy free now. he was allergic to dust, mold, dogs, and a few outdoor things i can't remember now. only draw back he was afraid of needles for awhile but like i said now he is fine.

i hope this helps some

M.

One of my middle sons was diagnosed with asthma at age 2. He was on steroids 3 times a day (Pulmicort and Singulair), and albuterol breathing treatments in the afternoon or as needed PLUS was on Claritin daily.

He is allergic to dust, mold, pollen, cut-grass and a few others.

We went back and forth for years...a seesaw of good spells followed by terrible ones... finally, at age 5 I had had enough! My son was over reactionary, subject to bouts of depression, and had other issues that I finally realized could easily be linked to side effects of the medication he was taking... I wanted to know who my son was without all that junk in his system.

So, I started cutting it back (you can't just stop a steroid or you will trigger an attack) I had developed a fairly good knowledge of holistic and herbal remedies and wanted to try him on a more natural treatment with fewer side effects. I wanted to let his system clear out for a few weeks before switching to the new regime I had planned.

...but you know what? As soon as I stopped giving him his over the counter meds, his allergies improved dramatically all on their own. I never did start that daily herbal regime either :) Now if it is a bad allergy day, I give him some over the counter Claritin (he likes the taste better than some of the teas I have him drink) and just add the herbal supplements if I have to. I also do watch his diet when his allergies are active, to be sure his immune system has the best possible building blocks - lots of vitamin C, yogurt, fresh veggies, etc. We almost never have trouble any more. He's had one ear infection in the last two years and one asthma flare up (down from several each month). We have two cats, a dog, I have a huge garden with lots of flowers (though we do close the windows and encourage him to play inside due to their sheer numbers when the pollen index is high) 99.7% of the time though, he plays outside at least as much as the other kids with no problems. :)

I'm not saying things will work out that way for everybody, but a more natural approach helped my son out a lot, and freed him from the steroid cycle of crazy ups and downs (both physically and emotionally). Holistic methods are worth checking into, and if you can find a good holistic or holistic-leaning doctor in your area, I think you owe it to your daughter to investigate those avenues as long as you are comfortable with it.

Good luck!

1st off I have two children who have asthma and sesonal allergies. They have been on singular since they where babies and in the last two years they have been put on Pulmacort for there asthma. The singular is for allergies they take it everyday and pulmacort is for asthma and they take that everyday. My one child has broncital asthma where she coughs so hard she can't breath the other one has the normal asthma where he runs and loose his breath and needs air. They both are ont he same my daughter with broncital asthma has to usually have steriods when it flairs to calm her cough. Try giving her robitusen with the teatments after she takes atreatment to help control the cough. Why are you confining her to the house? She should be able to still function as a child. If not you need to take her to her pediatrician to get checked if you need a second opinion I can give you min hes really good. good luck

Hello,

I'm not sure how young the babies can have allergy shots, but I see an allergist as well as my 12 month old son. Our son has a milk and soy allergies. He also just developed seasonal allergies and is on Allegra.

The pediatric allergist we see is Dr. Bahrainwala with Royal Oak Beaumont. Their office is on 13 mile just across the street from Royal Oak Beaumont hospital and their number is ###-###-####

Hello R. -
I don't have little ones with allergies & asthma, but I have had it myself since I was two. I can honestly say that the shot have done wonders for me. I took a course of them when I was 3-14 years old. Which seems like a long time, but they really worked. I am now 37 have been back on shots for the past 4 years or so and this set has made a difference too. I can remember being upset as a child at first when I had to go get them, but my parents turned it into a something more tolerable by taking me for ice cream or some other treat if I didn't cry and it actually turned into some nice bonding time as I entered my pre-teen ages because It gave us time to sit an talk. When my symptoms were so bad that I couldn't play outside my mom taught me to doing crafting. As for medicine info, it seemd like I've taken it all at one point or another. I was on a long dose if prednisone when I was a 6th grade to 12th grade taking 10 mg a day. It did work to help with my asthma symptoms, but ti was before they had all the inhailed steroids that are available now. And it did give me some side effects, that I still have to deal with today. In my opinion first of all you need a really good allergist doctor. I go to Dr. Mark Millar in Grand Rapids MI. He is the top imunodiffencey (sp?) for pediatrics and adults in West MI. He had the best bedside manner and paticent interaction of ANY doctor I've been too EVER! He will actually come and talk to you on the phone if you have questions not shove you off on the nurses. The Nurses are top notch too. They have help me with so many issues with my asthma or being sick. I also reccomend you get the book from chicken soup for the soul healthy living series for asthma. Even though I had asthma my whole life I've learned new thing by reading it. Lots of advise on coping with it and the stresses of it too. I wish you the best of luck.
Dee

HI R.,
I have so much i can share with you. I am an allergy/asthma sufferer myself and my children as well. I also am a psychologist and work with a lot of children - many of which have atopic conditions such as asthma and allergies. I have done alot of research and have learned about different approach to all of this. I would be glad to talk with you more about this anytime, but a good summary can be found in the book Healing the new childhood epidemics: asthma, allergies, autism and ADHD. This book was very eye opening for me. It is based on a model a little different than a traditional medicine model, but it makes so much sense. In addition to that, i am launching group for parents of children sufferring from a variety of atopic, immune related or behavior issues. It will be a great place for parents to share resources, learn new information and cope with the stress and emotions that come along with having a child with these struggles. I have a flyer that i can send to you with more information if you are interested. I know of a great doc in Ann Arbor that is a holisic pediatrician that would be very helpful for you as well. I reallly have so much more to share, but don't want to carry on too much here, so feel free to contact me here or via email ____@____.com

Go to www.ahccenter.com I have recommended this group so much, everyone might think I am part of the group! They are chiropractor/clinical nutritionists who specialize in allergies and food related issues. They CLEAR allergies, rather than mask the symptoms with meds. They look into everything you eat, ask about your environment and find the culprits!
Your immune system is "in charge" of monitoring all the toxins in the environment that are on the attack. This group knows how to boost your immune system so it can do its job. They are amazing! Give it a try so you can get some sleep and enjoy the outdoors!

Hi R.,
I understand completly what your going thru.... My 12 yr old son has allergy induced asthma ( We just love spring..Grrrr .. lol ), we have a portable breathing machine which helps alot for when go places, he has been like this since he was born, the good thing is it's getting less and less each year. The doctor gives him the abuteral for the machine, an inhaler and predisone tablets( steroids ) that work fabulous.Yes it makes him a bit hyper but I would rather have a semi-hyper child for a few hours then a sick child who can not breath. Its the worst feeling for a parent to see their helpless child in pain.
As for cabin fever.... revert back to your childhood.... Forts with blankets in the living-room or under the kitchen table, hop-scotch in the hallway, bowling with 2 liter bottles. Crayola.com is a awsome craft idea source. Try baking cookies let her roll the dough balls, so what if they come out a bit de-formed (lol)remember its all in good fun. And a tip for messy floor clean-up.... just put own a bed sheet then when done just shake it off outside and wash. It helps to make a calender ( again make this an activity day too... she can color the calender ) with a different activity for each day.
Also for the no sleep issue, try for a power nap when the girls are napping, I know it can be hard to do at times but its worth that small sacrifice when available. Or ask for help with a friend/family member for once or twice a week for babysitting for a few hours so you can have your much needed break.
Good luck with your family an I hope it all works out for you...

Blessed Be

Cher

Rachael,
Although my children don't have asthma, I've had asthma since birth. I was on theodur almost my entire life which kept me pretty healthy. Also, I take the proventil inhaler during attacks. The main problem I have is dust, mold, and animal dander. I'm not sure if you're aware of this but animals (including mice, gerbils, hamsters, birds, farrots, etc.) are terrible for asthmatics. Also, roaches are extremely dangerous for children with asthma. Stuffed animals, carpeting, and anything that attracts dust is bad. Your best bet would be hardwood or tile flooring that can be dusted and/or mopped daily. Remove all stuffed animals from her room and vacuum/dust on a daily basis. I am also lactose intolerant as many asthmatics are. Although I have never received shots, if I eliminate these things from my life, I feel much better. Oh yeah....do not allow anyone to smoke around her and avoid using heavy perfumes as well. I hope this helps. I have become somewhat of an expert on the subject. :)
I hope she feels better.
Take her outside to get some fresh air but make sure that she takes an antihistamine first.

Oh my gosh, I feel for you. My son developed asthma at age 4 yrs. I had him in and out of doctors and all they wanted to do was pump him full of breathing treatments, prednisone, and preventative things like singulair, pulmicort, etc. For 8 months he was constantly battling this cough, wheezing, etc. It all stopped when I read a book called The Omega Zone (miracle of high dose fish oil). This book talked about how as a society we have too many omega 6 fatty acids in our diets and not enough omega 3's. It can upset the balance in our bodies and cause inflammation (being just one thing it causes). Omega 3 fish oil is an anti-inflammatory. I immediately bought a bottle of Carlson's lemon flavor liquid fish oil. Every morning with his cereal, he gets a big spoonful. (probably about 2 tsp. worth) I do not miss a day. Since I started this he hasn't had one flare up. No coughing, no wheezing, he's not on any meds at all. When he catches a cold or other upper respritory infection I will give him closer to 2 tablespoons to really help with inflammation of the airways. I will keep him on fish oil for ever. I even give it to my girls too. (Good for the brain!!!) My son is now almost 6 yrs old. He has been free from any attacks for about a year and a half. Get the book and read it. It will make so much sense. If you don't like to read, then just get the fish oil and start her on it a.s.a.p. It will change yours and her life!!! Also, for the seasonal allergies, I use lots of chewable Vitamin C. All year long they get one a day. But during allergy season, I will let them chew 3 a day. Morning, noon, and night. Vitamin C is a NATURAL anithistamine. You can google that fact too. I've read alot about how Vitamin C keeps your histamine levels down in your body. Try these 2 things. I can tell you this cured my son of his asthma and I don't have to have him on any drugs. That makes me feel good. Any questions, just ask me. If I can help even just one mom and child, it is worth my time. Good luck, and God Bless. D.

Hi R.---So sorry to hear of your little one suffering so. My daughter had allergies and was constantly fighting ear infections. We never went the shot route and she had ear infections well into college.

First, it is most important to look at her diet to help support her immune system. Sugar makes the immune system lazy. Fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes, as well as adequate rest and water, support a healthy immune system. I have a great chart I can share that tells you how many servings of F & V kids of different ages should have every day. Did you know that adults are to have 9 to 13 servings, depending on sex. If you are active, are sick, you need even more.

During my daughter's sophmore year of college, I found out about a whole food supplement, made from 15 different fruits and veggies, and the bran from oats and rice. This supplement has been thoroughly researched, on people, to see what it does for the body. The impact it has on optimizing health is incredible. Several studies show that it balances the immune system, making something like allergies much less of a problem. How well it would help you daughter's allergies can only be determined by her body. My daughter seldom gets a cold now, nor does her nose get out of control because of allergins. A doctor friend in Chicago shares that her asthma patients that had to be hospitalized every year have never been to the hospital again after adding this supplement to their diets.

Juice Plus+ is the dehydrated juice powders of those fruits and veggies. It comes in capsule, chewable and gummie forms. Kids between the ages of 4 and 18, or if an undergraduate in college, can get JP+ at no extra charge with a participating adult.

If you would like to know more about Juice Plus+, I would be happy to help you. I am very honored to help others learn more about how to optimize their health, with or without JP+. Feel free to call at any time. I look forward to it. D. ###-###-#### www.dianeshealthed.com

Well, unfortunately I know exactly what you are going through. Two of my three kids have very bad allergies and asthma. First a question for you. Do you go to an allergy/asthma specialist? We go to a GREAT one! His name is Dr. Song and he has offices in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Canton, Chelsea, and Novi. We go to the Novi location at the Providence Park Medical Center. The phone number is ###-###-####. My kids symptoms are very well under control. And, I have to tell you, my daughter had walking pnemonia twice this winter. Going to a regular pediatrician is just not enough. Dr. Song is so detailed in his analysis. I was so totally impressed. Neither of my kids are on allergy shots. Instead, they take singular and nasonex daily, and when I know they will by triggers (cats, grass, trees, dogs, etc.) then I also include claritin. So, during the spring time I do the claritin alot. It really helps! Also, when they do get a bad flare up, they do the breathing treatments every 4-6 hours. My kids use a nebulizer with albueterol and pulmicort. During the major flu season between Oct. and Mar. we do the pulmicort once a day as a preventative. I know it is a steroid, but it is not like a liquid steriod and does not have those side effects. I was very reluctant to give it, but when you talk with Dr. Song, he explains exactly haw it works. If you need any more information or details, please feel free to contact me directly. Good luck.

My daughter was 18 mos. old when we started shots. It was hard to see her (and hold her) when she got her shots, but it really helps. I would recommend finding an allergy clinic with GREAT NURSES! That made all the difference for us...they were great with the kids, and also they were very fast with the shots! Keep in mind that the needles they use are really small and it is very fast. My little one didn't get used to it necessarily, but she did really love their selection of stickers! :) Best wishes as you help your child feel better!

Hi R.. I don't have much experience w/ this yet and I feel bad for you and your child. Do you have an air purifier? I was just thinking that maybe that would help. I was thinking of investing in one myself for my child just because we have a cat that sheds and sometimes my child will wake up in the am and rub his nose raw... good luck I am sorry I can't be of much help.. take care.

R.,

I too have allergies and asthma and learned from my allergist yesterday that all of their patients are suffering right now. The best thing you can do for your daughter is to make your home her sanctuary until this passes. I use cleaning products from an allergy supply company and really like the spray that denatures dust, dust mites, and some pollens. If you haven't already, you will want to make sure all of her stuffed animals have been washed in De-Mite to eliminate any possible allergens in her bed. Also, have her try wearing a silk mask; these masks filter most pollens and some mold spores and make breathing a bit easier.

In addition to the above I also run a box fan with a whole-house filter attached, I use the best filters I can get and set one fan up in my bedroom and one downstairs in our living room. This set-up has really helped to ease some of my symptoms.

Lastly, I have heard people who have outside allergies should also stay away from similar food products. For example, people with mold allergies should avoid cheeses, yogurts, breads with yeast, etc. People with ragweed allergies should avoid breads and wheat products. Tweaking your daughter's diet right now may also help to alleviate some of her symptoms.

I hope your daughter is feeling better soon.

-C..

Hi R. - hang on in there, it will improve. My 11-year-old got asthma when he was about two - we were on a visit to the UK and he wouldn't stop coughing and throwing up in the car - didn't know what was wrong but by the time we arrived at my in-laws realised it was serious and rushed him to the doctor. He was having an asthma attack. Over the years there have been flare-ups - particularly after a cold, when he's sometimes needed a short course of steroids which really help - and times when he's asthma is very well controlled. He has been on Singulair and either Claritin or Zyrtec daily for many years now and they really seem to help. I've never tried allergy shots so I don't know about them. However, these two medications do seem to really dampen down the inflammation in his lungs and allergic responses and he rarely needs to use his puffer. Could you ask the doctor about taking these medicines - hope so much it helps - Alison

Hi R.,
I hae dealt with allergies my entire life. I did not discover that people breathe through their noses until my adult years :) I have tried the allergy shots myself, but again, not until I was an adult. My arms were as big as Arnold Swartznieger's and they itched constantly. I cannot tell you if it relieved my allergy symptoms or not b/c I only went for a few months and couldn't stand it any more.

I have since then started going to Dr. Syed at Integrated Health Systems offices located in both Novi and W. Bloomfield. She is a M.D. but uses a lot of wholistic approaches. She "suggested" that my son and I both drink white tea and use a nasal rinse (The Netti Pot). Both of which helps me tremendously. The goal, I believe is to flush the allergens. It will not work overnight, but it really does help...more than the shots did for me anyway.

If you're interested, Dr. Syed's number is ###-###-####.

Good Luck.
T.

Hello R., The shots work!! My son was 7 months old when we first went to the allergist. He was waking up in a panic during the night, his doc said it was night terrors, but when he turned blue one night that was it for me. His worst was to dust mites, and molds. Keeping the bedroom allergy free is manditory, it gives at least 10 hours of allergy free breathing. Set up each nebulizer with the meds at bed time, so that when the alarm clock goes off, you just have to hook up a new one to the machine. My son started on shots at 13 months old, the doctor told me that he didn't start them until 5-6 years, but my son was so bad that he had to be on steroids before he was a year old, and long term use at such a young age was not in his best intrest. It did not cure his ashtma, but now that he is 23 years old, he only has flare ups when he gets a cold. No more allergy triggers. My daughter almost died at age 9 when she stepped on a yellow jacket. She was stung again as a teen, and only had a local reaction due to the shots working! It was worth every cent and minute of my time that was spent in the frequent trips to the doctors office. More tips for you, have her shower, including washing her hair before bed, this way she is not taking allergins with her to her safe enviroment. Do not dry your cloths outside, allergins will stick to the drying cloths. Never leave cloths in the washer, move them to the dryer as soon as they are done. Use hot water to wash most cloths in for mold elemination. If you have any questions or need advice, please feel free to contact me here at any time. Intal was the mirical meds for our entire family, as all 3 of my kids and myself have asthma. One more thing, use a mask with the nebulizer, if you don't treat the nose also, the lungs will not clear up.

What I have found that is with allergies stems from a week immune system. Most times the allergies progress into asthma. Right now she may need more immediate relief with the shots. But what if you could strengthen her immune system so that she wouldn't have to be on steroids, shots or breathing treatments and just be a kid?

I have a friend who was in a similar situation such as yours. They wanted to put her 2 year old son on breathing treatments, etc and she wanted a natural way of healing him. Long story short she found supplements that helped him and he never received breathing treatments.

If this is something you would like to discuss, email me with your telephone number and the best day and time to reach you.

On a side note, I love to see woman who love the Lord. I do too!

M.

Hi R.,

I have 5 children, all with food & seasonal allergies, so I know what you're going through! My 10yr old girl was diagnosed with severe asthma at age 9 mos., so I feel you're frustration also & now she has just started allergy shots! She was recently re-allergy tested & has so many severe allergies, that's why he started her on the shots. She is allergic to everything!!! Trees, weeds, grass, dust, mold, mildew, cats, dogs, milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, all seafood (which is her favorite!) So now I just carry the list with me cuz the doctor said I would have to tell the restaurant to cook her food in a separate pan!!! How scary! She is on singulair, advair inhaler, albuterol inhaler, flonase nasal spray all once a day. She had eczema badly so she has to shower with only aveeno body wash and we found that only the aveeno lotion works for her skin, expensive! When she starts sneezing, then getting either a running nose, sore throat or some coughing (signs of a cold), I usually know her asthma is flaring up. Therefore, I start her nebulizer treatments. If we don't catch it in time & it gets bad, then we know she has to go to the doctor or er to get the prednizole (steroid).

I wash their sheets in hot water, vacuum their carpet, dust in their room, all once a week, they have the hypoallergic pillow covers over their pillows and really great doctors at Beaumont!

Hope this helps, Good Luck!

D.

If you live in the east Detroit metro area, I highly recommend Grosse Point Allergy and Asthma Center on Kelly north of 8 Mile. They deal with a lot of kids and adults and have helped my grandkids. One has been on a monthly shot since his teens but it's for bees, so I'm not sure about any other kind of shots. This sounds like quite an ordeal!

One of the moms responded to one similar to yours a while back. She said lemon flavor fish oil at your local health food store. I haven`t yet tried this-why? I have no clue! But I am going to go there later today and try it! I myself along with my 3 kids have allergies/asthma, and I have no excuse as to why I haven`t gone and got it myself! She swore by it!
She said she gave them 1 tsp. a day and it worked.
I`m sure she will respond if she sees this and she will give you the correct information if I didn`t get it right. If I still have her mes. in my inbox, I will forward them to you!

Dear loving mama,
First of all my heart goes out to you!

Asthma is a very scary problem in our loved ones and people need to seriously look at a definite possible root cause of many allergies is due to a broken down immune system from chemicals in the home.
I have helped many mothers with children that have asthma and allergies by teaching them how to detox their children's environment inside the home. There are also natural things your child can take to strengthen lung tissue and help their circulation to help in better breathing.

I do not sell products but shop from a store that has all green products that are usually under dollar general prices as far as the cleaners. Nothing has child saftey caps because it is all safe. Over 400 items in 5 different departments that are all safer for you and your family.

I love to help others switch stores and save their time, their money and most of all their health.
Please mail me at ____@____.com for more information that will only change your life for the better, J.
Ex Director and Melaleuca mom

Hi R.,

It looks like you have some good responses but I would like to add a couple of suggestions. I will try not to make this long. First my son was diagnosed with asthma and allergies and around 2 yrs. old. When he was 2 1/2 he developed croop and stopped breathing and we had to call 911, scariest day of my life, but when they got him under control they said it was triggered from allergies and asthma. Now they treated him, (steriods, shots, breathing treatments like your doing now etc..) and we had to continue with advair and clarinex. Now every year between oct - dec he would develop croop we always had to have an epi pen handy. Going outside in the cold is the only thing that would help, along with a dose of steroids. Anyway this went on and on and he is 9 yrs. old now. But my point :) is we chose not to go with shots and along with advair for a couple of yrs., because you don't want to use it forever, he takes claritin which is the exact same thing as clarinex just cheaper and no prescription needed and 10mg of claritin is equal to 5mg. of clarinex. This med does wonders. If he misses two days his allergies and asthma flare up bad. So this med makes a big difference. I hope you could understand all this and sorry it is long. I guess what I am saying is shots are not always needed there are other options. We love are allergist so if you want a name and number I can give it to you and if you have any questions PLEASE email me.

Good Luck,
S.

R.,

Have you tried chiropractic? It can help with Asthma

Ouch. I hate it when that happens! My son takes Claritin everyday and a natural antihistamine to support it and his overall health. This way we have no more down and out allergy issues. Let me know if you want to know more!

S.
____@____.com

My oldest daughter had allergy shots starting at 15 when they finally did allergy testing. She seen marked improvement in about 3 months. I stopped the allergy shots this year because there had been no further improvement. My youngest has asthma, diagnosed very early at about 1 1/2. She had flare ups each spring and fall. She also has allergies, but after the experience with my oldest, we won't be going that route again. Allergy shots start out with a massive flooding of the system of all the allergens, two to three times a week as you work up to "maintenance dose". Miss a shot and you take a step back. It's a huge committment. My youngest simply didn't Predinsone and breathing treatments for 3 days and was perfectly fine. I would recommend OTC allergy meds like Claritin or Singular or Zyrtec. The Zyrtec works the best and comes in liquid, tablets or "fast disolve".