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Original poster

Vicks vapor rub causing asthma symptoms?

16 replies

PumpkinBeans · 18/02/2011 09:59

Has anyone else experienced their child developing respiratory difficulties after using vicks vapor rub on them? My 13 month old has never had any of these symptoms until yesterday when I had to take him to hospital because of wheezing / coughing! I had rubbed vicks onto his chest several times over 3 days to try to relieve his blocked nose.

He's been prescribed an inhaler that I have to give him 6 puffs 4 times a day. Of course I didnt think to mention the vicks while at hospital.

The other possibility is that he has actually developed asthma, there's no way of knowing until later on. Im really worried about him, ive got no experience with this kind of condition. Any input would be great.

OP posts:
Huffymuffy · 18/02/2011 13:46

I am fairly sure you shouldn't use Vicks on under twos. I could be wrong, but I have always bought the special one for children it has an orange flash on the label and don't use it on their chests just on their feet with socks on top.
But I do prefer Olbas for children. Check with NHS direct.

PixieOnaLeaf · 18/02/2011 15:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

WomblingWriggles · 18/02/2011 17:23

I can't use either of those products without them setting off my asthma. so definitely could be the cause of the problem.

maxybrown · 18/02/2011 19:11

yes I think it says on it - I remember having trouble getting one for DS when he was little - Boots own is from 3 months and def not as strong as Vicks, I had it on myself last nigth and could hardly tell Hmm

maxybrown · 18/02/2011 19:12

here's the info on it for you Smile

Original poster
PumpkinBeans · 18/02/2011 20:21

Thanks for the input, it said 6 months up on the jar but on the website says 2 yrs?!

His breathing hasn't really changed but I took him back to see our GP who advised to keep on with the 6 puffs. I suppose if it is the vicks that has caused the problem it will take a few days for his body to right itself.

This is so horrible, ive put years on worrying about his breathing! I keep thinking he's just going to stop suddenly or something.

His cough is bad too, sounds like he needs to bring a lot of stuff up. Dr said no chest infection though. I've got to stay calm about it, I suppose if he's been like this for 36 hrs and is still ok there is no reason why he would suddenly go downhill!

OP posts:
maxybrown · 18/02/2011 20:38

awww pumpkin don't worry - I would contact vicks too if it says that on the jar?

My DS is same at the minute, no chest infection but cough sounds horrific - like an old man needing to spit into a bucket, ewwwwww!

Keep him with you, make you feel better Smile

Original poster
PumpkinBeans · 18/02/2011 21:15

Yes, I will keep him in with me. He's just fallen asleep & his breathing has slowed a little. Will give him his puffs now.

OP posts:
maxybrown · 18/02/2011 21:20

ahhhhh bless him, hope your night goes ok Smile

bumble34 · 19/02/2011 09:11

far more likely that the virus that was causing the blocked up nose has caused him to wheeze and cough as well. It is really common in young children and why they won't diagnose asthma at this age Hopefull yonce the cold passes the cough and wheeze will go. Just keep managing the symptoms with the inhaler you have been given

Saltire · 19/02/2011 09:23

If you go to the link and then click on UK site, it says 6 months on teh jar of vapour rub. The link initially takes you to the US site

maxybrown · 19/02/2011 09:45

ooh sorry about that I didn't notice Blush

I am sure it USED to say 2 years on the pot - I remmeber not getting it for DS at the time and he was not a "baby" but def under 2 so got Boots own in the end

But I agree with bumble too anyway Smile

Original poster
PumpkinBeans · 19/02/2011 11:34

Thanks, he is still wheezy today but not coughing as much. The inhaler definately seems to make a difference for a good few hours.

The crackle sound when he breathes does sound ever so much like when he had a chest infection but I suppose thats all part of wheezing!

Im staying away from the vicks from now on just in case it does have anything to do with this. Kind of like I cant eat croissants now as they were the last thing I ate before I got gastro really bad a few weeks ago!

OP posts:
Saltire · 19/02/2011 12:09

I get a lot of chesty coughs. I also ahve asthma - it's usually very wellc ontrolled and never need to take inhalers.

I find that if I rub vicks in it seems to "break" (for want of a better word) the infection and causes my cough to b elooser. I that makes sense. Then my wheeze increases, but I've always been todl that it's the infection causing the air tubes to narrow.
However, if you're not happy then don't use it. There are children's versions availiable - snufflebabe and karvol, Boots or a chemist will have them.

Original poster
PumpkinBeans · 20/02/2011 15:46

Thanks again, he is most definately lots better today. Cutting down the inhaler now. Next time he has a blocked nose I will stick to the baby section!

OP posts:
maxybrown · 20/02/2011 17:38

awww glad he's doing ok! I picked up vicks today in Tesco and it says age 2 and over on the box

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