Toddler with child hood asthma

[Beebee123]

I have asthma and it's well controlled at the moment but my toddler has recently been diagnosed and I feel so stressed about it. We've had bouts of colds chest infections croup and he finally got diagnosed by the specialist as he's under two. Anyone going through or been through a similar thing. It seems coughs and colds are his trigger but I worry about him exercising more at the childminders like this. Thanks

[Lucy-j-16]

We're currently waiting on a diagnosis. My little one has had 3 lots of steroids in 7 months. Unfortunately kids pick up colds and run around a lot when in childcare the only thing you can do is make sure he has his medications and has a good asthma plan and has his blue inhaler with him at all times. It's scary seeing your little one poorly but he will grow up to be a tough cookie! Xx

[Beebee123 in reply to Lucy-j-16]

Thank you hopefully your little one gets sorted soon! Xx just all so worrying and tiering

[Minushabens]

There are a lot of people on here who have brought up, or are bringing up children with asthma, so you'll find a lot of support here

You will, over time, get a sense of triggers & when to intervene or get a doctor. As they grow, generally speaking, they become better able to manage.

In my case, my son was seriously ill over a period covering his first 3-4 years & had periods of hospitalisation. We were worried sick, not least when we had blue light trips to hospital. At 22, he is 6'1" tall, strong as an ox & plays for umpteen football teams, generally enjoying being a 'hard-nut' defender! There will be a way through it all, so stay calm & never be afraid to ask for help.

Good luck & ask away with any questions or advice you need

[Beebee123 in reply to Minushabens]

Thank you glad your lad doing well now! I feel very unsupported by this as I can't speak directly to the specialist the doctors still don't have the letter from him either and meanwhile one min he sounds better with his cough and cold the next worse! Any advice would be great I'm so stressed and worried

[Beebee123 in reply to Beebee123]

He's been blue lighted too but for croup in January where he went totally blue

[Minushabens in reply to Beebee123]

It is very stressful, I remember only too well. Particularly when you are new to it all, it's really hard to make judgement calls. So in a sense, my advice is that if you don't think he seems right, work your way through the NHS options (up to & including 999) until someone helps. Eventually, you will develop a sense of what to do & when. At his age, all his tubes & airways are tiny, and his immune system is underdeveloped, so the littlest thing can be a trigger. That will settle over time, so you need to find that trickiest of balancing acts between staying calm & shouting for help.

My experiences though are 20 years back, but there are many others on here with more up-to-date knowledge of how toddlers are dealt with. In our time, we were able to develop a really good relationship with his GP until he got older & the issues faded, so see if you can find the time to have a sensible conversation with someone who knows.

[Beebee123 in reply to Minushabens]

Thank you

[ChrissieMons]

I think you will find that he gets to know how much he can do. Children with asthma are now encouraged to exercise and join in as much as they can, so encourage him gently as he gets older. One of the hardest things to do is to hide the fact that you are understandably frightened for him now and in the future, but you have to try to do this as children pick up on fear in a way adults don't. I'm sure he will be fine - take heart from all the stories here of children with asthma who went on to be strapping young men - Karate champions and all!

[Beebee123 in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thank you x

[nomoreasthma]

Hi check out my reply to Jess33.

Have you got an asthma nurse?

In addition rubbing oil (olive or coconut) on his chest, back & front helps. Tap his chest by forming a cup with the hand and tapping all around. Lie him on your legs with his head slightly lower and tap his back, front and the sides. This will help to loosen the phlegm. Liquorice - the black ones, from liquorice allsorts help shift phlegm.

With young children it is very hard to detect they are having a breathing problem. If he says his tummy hurts, looking at the movement of the diaphragm and throat helps! Be vigilant and get him seen to if you feel that he is not okay. You know your child best. Even when they appear to have lots of energy, they could actually be very seriously ill.

[Beebee123 in reply to nomoreasthma]

Thank you for your reply ... I have asked to see an asthma nurse now so hopefully I'll feel more supported xx