Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Respiratory Disorders  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Could it be Asthma?
Answered by
Make An Appointment
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis

Could it be Asthma?

by kahle, Feb 15, 2005 12:00AM
My 22 mo. daughter has been dx'd w/ RAD because of numerous cases of bronchiolitis, wheezing, etc.  In the last 2 months, she has had pnuemonia (dx'd by chest x-ray).  That eventually cleared with antibiotics, but 2 weeks later was wheezing again and was dx'd with bronchiolitis again.  We have her on breathing treatments and now on predisone (I think) also.   Can this all possibly be asthma?  My mother has asthma, and my brother has sports and allergy induced asthma as well.  If so, how do they test a 2 year old for asthma and should we be pursueing this possibility with her doctor?

by National Jewish, Feb 25, 2005 12:00AM
It is most likely that your daughter has asthma.  You have a strong family history of asthma and allergy.  Also she has had repeated episodes of breathing problems.  In fact, an asthma attack looks exactly like pneumonia when the x-ray is taken when the airways are closed.  It is probable that this episode was also an asthma attack.  Skin testing is not really needed to make this diagnosis or to start preventive therapy.  I would talk with your doctor about this.  It may be necessary to refer your daughter to a pediatric pulmonologist or board certified pediatric allergist.  These two specialists deal with children your daughter's age all the time.  It is not likely that either will do skin tests.  It is more likely that a program to get these symptoms under control and prevent the next attack will be started.



The most common medicines used for the symptoms are inhaled beta agonists to open the airways.  There are a variety of medicines that might be tried for prevention, depending on what they feel at the time of the examination.
Continue discussion
Expert Activity
Cataract Surgery MonoVision Tips
Nov 27 by Michael J Kutryb, MD
An Attempt to Explain the Menstrual...
Nov 26 by Elaine Brown, MD
Are You Considered Lazy?
Nov 23 by Steven Y Park, MD