Question:
My son is 9 years old and this year was diagnosed with exercise induced
asthma and possibly an allergy induced asthma. He started in the middle of
May with a chronic cough. After a few weeks I took him to the
pediatrician. We tried various cough remedies, antihistamines and
decongestants without relief. Finally, I took him to an asthma and allergy
specialist ( end of June) that was highly recommended. He started on
various inhalers, had a chest xray and sinus xray which were fine. We tried
some more antihistamines with no relief. Still coughing, not as much, but
not cleared up .
This past weekend he picked up some upper respiratory and sinus infection.
He started coughing more frequently and severely. Back to the doctor,
given an antibiotic and trying Zyrtec now for the antihistamine. His cough
though seems to be caused by drainage in the back of this throat. The docs
can see it on physical exam and you can hear it when he coughs. His cough
is productive.
I'm not totally convinced that he has asthma except for the exercise
induced type. But has anyone else had experiences of trying so many
different antihistamines and no response? We have tried all the over the
counter ones, Rynatuss, Extendryl Jr. and now Zyrtec. I've even tried an
occassional Benadryl.
I know eventually, when this all settles down, he needs allergy testing and
immunotherapy but until then I need help for him. Unfortunately, this has
led to social isolation for him. The other kids don't want to be around
him because of his coughing. The kids at the day camp he goes to make fun
of him and yell at him to stop. He tries to explain that he can't help it,
but they continue making fun of him.
Please let me know if you have any thoughts on this
Answer:
are you a Blue Cross employee? do you have their medical coverage? we just
recently switched to US healthcare, but BC/BS had this free Asthma Awareness
program that I loved. A RN would call me periodically, and ask how my daughter
was feeling, give advice, and send me information. They even sent me a free
pocket sized peak flow meter. You should check into it.
