Kids and Natural Asthma Remedies???

after all the times my oldest has landed in the hospital and my 2 year old nephew too asthma is not something I will mess around with. Take him to the doctor, get a follow up with the allergist, and get him on the some asthma meds. it can take a few tries to get the right med one that works and doesn't cause side effects but believe the risks of the medication are small compared to the risks of going untreated.

As someone with asthma that started taking pills at 3, I say go with the medication. Some things just aren't worth the risk. That said, once the medications get it under control, you can address some of the causes. Not eliminating the drugs, but making the rescue inhaler less necessary.

If your son as asthma, he will probably get a maintenance drug and a rescue inhaler. If you are given much more than that, then I would maybe worry about over medication.

Like you, I have asthma. It is a serious disease, and if your son needs medicine you shouldn't hesitate to give it to him. I know people who have DIED from asthma attacks. I'm not saying that to be dramatic... before this person's tragic death I didn't really take the disease seriously.

Also, my asthma was undiagnosed until I was in High School. In grade school, when all the other kids were running around planning and doing activities, I couldn't join in... but I didn't know why. I thought I was just a "loser" and no good at sports. Needless to say, this impacted my health and self-esteem.

I'm know you'll take your son to the doctor and do what needs to be done for him, I just wanted to give you my perspective. Hopefully your husband can understand that this isn't like giving some antibiotics when all they have is the flu.

Which is more important? Not giving your child medications or you child being able to breath? Have him evaluated by an allergist and have PFT's (Pulmonary Function Tests) done to see if he truly has asthma. Claritin will help with the allergy but will do nothing for asthma! If your son's airways are inflammed only certain types of medications will reduce that inflammation.
In a pinch caffine can help because it dialate the blood vessels and more blood means more O2...but less sleep!

If your son says he is having trouble breathing and your family has a history of asthma TAKE HIM TO THE DOCTOR! Many with mild asthma will have their symptoms at night, coughing, even in their sleep.

There are many things that can reduce the frequency of flare ups. If he is allergic to dust, wrap ALL the pillows and mattresses in the house. Get rid of carpeting (especially in his bedroom), have you air ducts cleaned if you are in an older home.

I have two sons with asthma. My youngest has been hospitalized twice with it! Once your asthma gets out of control it is a very quick spiral down. Even though we were doing everything we should have (my husband is an MD, I am a former EMT) the last time when we got to the ER his Oxygen saturation was 70%!

Think of all the needles and treatments that your son would have to go through if his asthma remains untreated and gets out of control. Is a daily preventative inhaler or pill worth it? I would hope so. I don't mean to be harsh but after working in an ER and dealing with a parent whose child just died because of their asthma being untreated (in that case the family couldn't afford the medicine) sticks with you.

Sometimes we have to go against what we really want and do what is right for our children. Good luck!

I have allergy inducsed asthma and know the cough you are talking about. This year has been more severe than in the past so I had to start on Singulair (it helps with the allergies which help to prevent further problems).

Something that might also help is to be aware of the chemicals/toxins in your home (even personal care products have them). I recently converted my house and it has helped.

Hello
Firstly, I think Zyrtec is much better than Claritin and doesn't make you drowsy.. so you may want to ask your doctor about that. Our doctor who recommended it is not only a Pediatrician but an Allergist, whom she herself has allergies. By using the Zyrtec, each night before bed, my child no longer sneezes in the am upon first awakening or during the day...My child is also allergic to dust mites. To combat this issue, we put plastic lining on both the boxframe and mattress and change the pillow cases each night. Additionally, you musn't forget that when a child is outdoors during HIGH allergy season, they can bring in all kinds of invisible particles on their clothing , let alone their hair. Therefore, it's essential that you wash this away each night. Same goes if you have pets, they too bring in loads of pollen and other stuff..
you child may have a bit of post-nasal drip since his sinuses are clogged from the allergies. My child had this as well and definitely by taking the medicine at night made a HUGE improvement. WHY?? because it's at night when they are lying down that all that mucus begins to trickle down their throats and hence,..... cause some coughing and then irritation..
Keep in mind, diet plays a big role... we limit the amount of dairy in house and seldom drink milk , we drink LOTS and LOTS of water.. my child loves it... and when you do, it helps to keep the mucus more thin..... and I do believe the better hydrated a body is, the better it can function to help ward off disease and allergies..
While I , too don't like to medicate my child, the best thing we have used is that Zyrtec... but again, during the day he drinks lots of water to help flush all the junk out of his system. Try the Zyrtec at night and begin to drink more water, see if that helps.
best of luck to you

I think you should know that children and adults die from asthma, and treatment is usually an inhaled steriod to reduce inflamation on a daily basis with a rescue inhaler to dialate the bronchile tubes if he is in suddent distress. Do what you want, but know that death is a possible concecence, when I failed to keep up with my daughters daily treatment because she was not haveing any real day to day issues, I got quite a talking to by her doctor who told me that you cannot predict how serious a sudden atack may be, and just because she had never not been able to breath to to point of death before, did not mean that it could not happen at any time.

Too heavy for me to buck personally, but maybe you are willing to risk it.

M.

Hello Yvette,

of course, if he needs to go to the doctor, by all means take him. (with that said........................................... increase his magnesium. (a teaspoon of milk of magnesia will do wonders for asthma and so will soaking in an epson salt bath). also try and figure out what else triggers his asthma. have you considered chiropractic treatment? How about avoiding harsh cleaning chemicals in the house. no burning candles or using household sprays that are full of chemicals that irritate the lungs, etc. there is lots you can do. think of complementary as care. does milk products constipate him or give him more phlem? I recommend this book: "smart medicine for a healthier child" Good luck and follow your instinct! ~C.~

Chiropractic!! I've seen a number of kids helped by it. My kids have been adjusted since birth, it's very safe. Please talk to one about it and see what they can do!

I agree with the person who said to try to reduce the dust. If the allergies aren't as bad, then it might not trigger the asthma. Pillows and bedding can trap dust, also curtains, stuffed animals, and carpet. Clean often, but don't have him in the room when you're vacuuming or doing laundry. You could switch to a different allergy medicine if the Claritin isn't lasting the whole day.
I'm trying allergy shots. It isn't really a "medicine" because you are injected with increasing amounts of the substance you're allergic to which builds up a tolerance to it. (this is the same principle as eating local honey). I think it's a good idea to have a rescue inhaler just in case. I don't use mine often, just get it refilled when it expires, but I feel safer knowing it's there.