WHEN TO USE THE BLUE INHALER???

Hi,

This may seem like a silly question, but I am new to asthma and have been receiving conflicting information about my son's blue inhlaler.

He is 3 years old and was only diagnosed a few months ago, from what I am aware of his asthma is quite mild ( no attack and not tested ) and he is on brown inhaler x2 puffs x2 a day and blue inhlaer when needed??

My situation is quite confusing to work out at times as he also has enlarged tonsils / adenoids which can also cause breathing problems, especially at night. The dignosis first came about as he was suffering from erratic breathing at night, where his breathing would speed up, slow down, then stop for a few seconds, which was very scary to watch. He was told he has asthma, by one doctor ( although he failed to notice his tonsils ) and given the pumps. The brown one has almost stopped the irregular breathing at night, so that's better. My only concern is the blue inhaler....

My son's symptoms get worse in the hot weather, and he somtimes complains when walking that he is tired....he sometimes says that he has a tummy ache too. Other times he will inhale deeply and seem quite hot....when speaking to the asthma nurse on the telephone, she said these are all sypmtoms I could use he blue inhaler for. Although a G.P and a different nurse has said if he is not in distress and seems to be alert and not struggling these are NOT signs to use the blue inhaler?? and to only use for an Asthma attack..So, I am a bit confused.

As I am new to all this any advice would be appreciated. Thank you so much.xx

[Thomass_mum]

Hi

We tend to use the blue inhaler for symptoms such as my son coughing or breathing quickly while resting and tend to look for physical signs of respiratory distress I.e tracheal tug (pulling in around the neck) and intercostal recessions (pulling in around the ribs). For any of these we will give the blue inhaler. Our instructions are to give 2 puffs, wait a minute.. Repeat up to 10 puffs and if no improvement we take him to A&E.

Jenny x

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Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I have noticed changes in his breathing patterns now, and he also says about a pain in his tummy, so have used it on these occasions. Hopefully I'll become more aware of more things as time goes on and I have more info.

Thanks again.x

[Hidden]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I have noticed changes in his breathing patterns now, and he also says about a pain in his tummy, so have used it on these occasions. Hopefully I'll become more aware of more things as time goes on and I have more info.

Thanks again.x

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Unfortunately, this is what you will find, different advice from different doctors. It's terribly confusing and places doubt in us parents! If you're not comfortable with the advice you have received, go back again and again until you are. My little girl has been having asthma symptoms since she was 20m old, she's now 5. Those years have been filled with being fobbed off, or ""hre's an inhaler, off you go"", and a LOT of different advice depending on which doctor we see.It's very difficult. But all I can say is keep going back and back and back!

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Tummy ache is a common indicator of an asthma exacerbation in young children, so don't be afraid to use it in those circumstances, particularly if you notice he is using his tummy and chest/neck muscles to help him breathe.

[Hidden]

Thanks for your replys.

I have heard, as you say, that the tummy ache thing is a sign he may need the pump, however on most of these occasions he seems completely fine and not showing any signs of distress? So, it makes me a little bit confused as to whether he REALLY needs it or not.

Went to my daughters sports day today and he was running aroud with her and then after about 10 minutes he did a little cough, although stopped for a bit and seemed fine? Is this a time to use it? He seems to cough on most days on and off, although never really seems in discomfort???

I think, as you say, I may go back to the dr again for clarification, or phone an asthma nurse again. Because if coughing and tummy aches are signs, I would be using the blue inhaler over the 3 times, so asthma could not be under control then!?!?

Thanks again for your thoughts.xx