Thanks that really helps. I heard that the steroids are bad for her, so when she gets sick what do I do? So far we have given steroids and inhaler for about 2-5 days but the doctor says it bad for her.. I understand regular asthma but its like hers creeped out of no where and no doctor has a direct answers...I guess it just takes time. We got rid of the cat and I purchased all the things listed above, I guess its the waiting game now.
One major asthma trigger is colds and viral infections. This means at the first sign of a cold, you will need to start adding in asthma medications, steroid/nebulizers; whatever the doctor wants.
Defintely the right choice to get rid of the cat (coming from someone with two cats and cat allergies), she is too young to have to deal with severe allergies.
Do as much prevention with the dust allergies as well and hopefully the severity of the reactions with colds/flu will decrease. There are pillow, mattress and box spring covers that work well, keep humidity to 40-45%, dust and vacuum often, wash bedding (including blankets) in hot water every week or two, take out carpet/soft surfaces in the bedroom, use a hepa air purifier and vacuum (one brand is dyson and it is AMAZING) and keep stuffed animals to a minimum (especially on the bed during sleeping) or make sure you are washing them in hot water regularly.
As long as you start the medication as soon as your daughter starts to get sick, it shouldn't be too bad. You may only have to medication at those times and the rest of the time she should be medication and symptom free!
I believe the IgE is high (not sure the exact normal number is). It is just a measure of the antibodies which are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions.
Hey, don't know if this will help you, but when i went to stay with my friend for a weekend (she has 2 cats) i took my 3 year old with me (she was 2.3/4 then), She was fine untill i got her undressed and into her nighty, she started scratching, sneezing, eyes were watering, a rash began (hives) and i got very worried, within 2 hrs her face was swelling, i rang the doctor explained wat happened and they told me to give her allergy meds( friend is a nurse thankfully and has benedryl in the house) We gave her that, bathed her, dressed her and i took her out into the car and then travelled home, she was then fine!
So my daughter has an allergy to cats, it is quite common.. I to weary of even visiting her again..