Too many medications for asthma?

[amberlea434]

My fiance has an 8 year old daughter. His ex has her on a ton of medications that we're wondering if they're ALL necessary. The only doctor his ex has taken her to is her pediatrician that has diagnosed her with asthma, among other things. My fiance's family has a history of pretty bad allergies, which leads us to believe she only has allergies, not asthma (she's never had an asthma attack, has never had trouble breathing, no wheezing, etc.). Her meds include: Singulair, Zyrtec, Pepcid AC (the pediatrician diagnosed her with acid reflux because she had a stomach ache), Levsin (which is also for her stomach aches, I suppose), Flonase (she has a runny nose sometimes), and she also takes Pulmicort and Albuterol through a nebulizer. These are all medications taken DAILY. I understand that some allergies can cause asthma symptoms, but she's never had any. Has anyone ever heard of taking all of these meds at one time?

My fiance just received all of her medical records to determine how and why she was diagnosed with asthma. No tests were ran on her to prove this diagnosis. Shouldn't there be tests to properly diagnose her before putting her on such an extreme amount of meds?

We'll be taking her to see an allergist, but will he be able to provide an accurate diagnosis with all of the medications she's on?

[tmv]

My son has bad allergies and mild asthma, though he hasn't had a severe attack. He has a lot of coughing and wheezing and has to use a albuterol inhaler, but not everyday. Only during his allergic season(spring and fall) does he need all three of his meds plus inhaler as needed for wheezing/coughing. He takes singulair, zyrtec, and flonase(nostrilly) during the acute times of colds/flu/allergy season. He does very very well for about the other 10 months on just the singulair. I really feel that is a lot of meds for a young child. She needs to be evaluated by an allergist to see exactly what she's allergic to. Those meds all the time can eventually play havoc ?sp on kidneys/liver. Please have her checked out by a specialist.

[Deeds]

I agree with the above post and I feel the original poster knows deep down that it IS A LOT of medicine for an 8 year old!!!!  Holy Moly!!  Please take the little one to an allergist!!!!! **bring the medical records** and voice your concern in a precise way - write them down if you have to.  Make it for the health of the child not about who is right or wrong...

[fluffyv]

You could also try a pediatric pulmonologist.

[Levi212]

I'm very surprised to hear that this doctor this child has been seeing did not confirm the diagnosis before administering medications. This is very improper and I would highly discourage you continuing to have this child go to that doctor. I realize that this may not be agreeable to your fiance's ex, but for the safety of the child I would recommend this course of action. This is highly unprofessional for that doctor to act in such a way. I would place no confidence in his training if he will only diagnose without properly proving his theory.

[RTperson]

I am a Respiratory Therapist and I highly disagree with the practice of diagnosing a child with asthma without the proper tests. The child needs a pulmonary function test to evaluate her lung function and allergy tests to check for any allergies. The over prescribing of Albuterol has a rebound effect and can actually cause wheezing. I do agree that allergies can cause asthma and asthma like symptoms but those should be treated as needed not daily. I would recommend a pediatric pulmonologist or at least a competent pediatrician.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,
how is your daughter?  An allergologist or allergy specialist will help determine if there is an allergy. Your daughter's medical history and some tests ( patch or ***** test ) will identify any offending allergen.Diagnosis will be based upon these tests,

It would also help if you are able to talk to her old pediatrician about the medicines or tests done to clear things up. Take care and do keep us posted.