Athsma in my 7 year old

[Tommyboy20]

My 7 year old has asthma and has been given a inhaler from the doctor, The doctor says that he cannot be tested for athsma at the clinic until he is 8 years old. Is this correct and how can i get him diagnosed sooner i am very worried.

[starveycat]

Best advice I can give you is to phone the helpline they are open during office hours good luck

[Minushabens]

The 8 yo age limit is probably local policy. We've heard on here of other NHS trusts that have 5 as the limit & others that have no limit. In effect it's arbitrary as a child's 8th birthday doesn't mean they cross some magic threshold meaning diagnosis becomes possible.

At this stage though, I'd try not to get too hung up on diagnosis (your head will quickly become sore from repeated impact with a brick wall), but rather focus on treatment for his symptoms. If he is short of breath, wheeing & it improves with asthma medication then keep administering it (I'm assuming the GP is confident enough in his/her diagnosis to prescribe it) & keep him healthy until the bureaucrats decide that his health meets their policy requirements.

Good luck & I hope that helps.

[Kaylz89]

Hi, I was told the age 5 was when they liked to diagnose it. But my son was 2 when they diagnosed as his was so bad. I just kept asking my local doctors to refer me to our hospital clinic which eventually happened. Hope you get the answers you are looking for soon. X

[mariyn]

My granddaughter ,who is 4 is being tested privately . Allergy UK will give you the no of the nearest specialist Best Marilyn