Asthma in 16m old toddler

[Marmalade85]

I've been advised to book my son in to see an asthma specialist as they suspect that's what's causing his symptoms.

I'm currently doing some research to see how I can best help my son as the nights are just horrendous. He is struggling to breath and is having severe coughing fits which are causing him to vomit. I've been given an inhaler but he screams. He is very upset and crying a lot but is unable to tell me what he needs.

Unfortunately we live in a basement conversation garden flat which is part of an old house in London. I suspect there is mould, dust and perhaps pollen which is causing irritation. We share a bedroom and it has carpet (rented property).

Should I purchase a dehumidifier? Not sure what else to do. I work full time and I'm a lone parent so it's really tough.

Thank you

[BertsBlanket]

A dehumidifier may help, so I'd definitely try it. Is there any visible mould on the walls of your flat (check behind furniture like wardrobes etc that back onto walls)? HG mould spray is very good if there is. . Has anyone with hairy pets lived there recently? Get the carpets deep-cleaned if so. Although to be honest if you really think your house is causing this (are his symptoms improved when staying in other places?) I'd be looking into whether you could possibly move.

As an aside, does your son have a spacer with a face mask to go with his inhaler?

[LaContessaDiPlump]

You definitely need to see an asthma specialist - you and he need to get control of the disease (if it is asthma) early as that can help tremendously. The night-time scenario you describe does sound like asthma. Start keeping a diary of symptoms (wheeze/cough, heavy breathing, respiratory tract infections, night waking due to asthma) as this will be very useful to the specialist when you see them. Also, does he have any allergies? Asthma and allergy often go hand-in-hand.

You might find this helpful: ginasthma.org/2017-gina-report-global-strategy-for-asthma-management-and-prevention/. You want Section 2. Don't worry about the prospect of steroid treatment if it comes up; it will be a hell of a lot better for him than having full-blown asthma.

Also, I'd consider moving if at all possible as that environment sounds really bad for an asthmatic (sorry).

[wfrances]

dd was diagnosed with asthma as a baby
we had to rip up carpets ,remove curtains ,buy a special mattress and pillow covers ,all her soft toys had to be washed / put in freezer.
do you manage to give the inhaler ?
we have bought an air purifier filter fan for her room - shes old now but still has lots of allergies.
the trick is to do it whilst they're calm , if not they're still breathing it in whilst they're crying(you have a spacer ?)

[Marmalade85]

Thank you for your replies. Yes I agree that moving would be ideal. Will be looking into all of your suggestions, thank you