Asthma or just a bad cough?

[BaconAndAvocado]

DS aged 6 has had a dry cough for a good few weeks which is worse at night and after he has exerted himself.

Asthma is in the family on DH's side.

I've made an appointment at GP's but am worried as asthma pumps scare the hell out of me

My DD (17) has had asthma since she was a baby. A dry cough which is worse at night and after exercise does sound like asthma.

You are doing the right thing taking your son to the gp. If your DS is found to need them it is likely he will need 2 different ones. He will get a brown/orange preventer one which you give him night and morning, every day regardless of whether he is coughing at night. He will also get a blue ventolin reliever which is used to help with the coughing and wheezing when he needs help and this works within a few minutes.

I was very worried when DD was first diagnosed. What is it about the asthma pumps that frighten you, in particular?

Growing up, I knew a boy with asthma who went on to die during an attack, as a teenager, as he didn't have his inhaler.

I think it's the idea that my child would be totally reliant on an object and that to possibly forget it. Or not gain access to one could endanger his life.

Also, DS is sporty and I'd hate to think having asthma might affect his enjoyment of sport.

That's why it is important to get him checked and if it is asthma get into a good routine with medication.

DS is 3.5 and has been on inhalers for the past 3 years. I have spare ventolin everywhere, nursery has one, my parents have one and I carry one in my handbag at all times.

It is a big worry all the time that they need to have access to an inhaler, but if they have asthma, this is part of the condition and it very quickly becomes a way of life.

As Sirzy says, you just need to ensure that you have an inhaler wherever your DS is. So that means a spare inhaler in the office at school clearly labelled with his name, plus one left with the class teacher. You have a spare one in your bag, if he goes to a childminder then they need one. If he goes to parties or cubs etc. and is in a situation when you have to leave him, give an inhaler to the person in charge.

We had a clear pencil case when DD was younger, labelled with her name in big black letters. Inside I put the spacer, the ventolin and typed instructions as to how to administer it should it be needed.

Honestly, it just becomes a way of life in a very short time, in the same way you pick up your bag when you leave the house.

Most children with asthma take a couple of puffs before exercise to get the airways open before they start and this is usually enough to see them through unless it is very bad.

HTH

I like the typed instructions idea. With DS being so young so far he has only been with people I trust to deal with it but as he gets older that is going to be harder but the typed instructions sounds great!

Sirzy Whenever I left DD with anyone at a party, play date, whatever I would explain the procedure to them and give a demonstration. Part of me felt it was a bit over the top but it is a huge responsibility and most people are very grateful. I do remember one helper at a holiday club practically rolling her eyes as I explained but for my peace of mind I needed everything to be clear. Again, most people are pleased to have typed instructions. I forgot to add that I put my mobile number on the outside of the pencil case in marker pen as well.

Thanks all

If it is asthma, I'm sure it will be fine. It's just the fear of the unknown at the mo!