This is a very complicated and difficult problem. "Washing out the lungs" is not a common procedure for management of severe asthma. This is reserved for children who have significant problems with the removal of material from the lungs. Without actually evaluating your child, it is very difficult to give an opinion regarding these procedures. You might consider coming to National Jewish for an evaluation by one of our physicians. This might be another option for you to consider.
Dear Jenn,
As a parent, what I would do is get my child to National Jewish Medical & Research Center for a thorough evaluation & treatment plan. No, I receive no compensation from them, but I was an outpatient there in 11/2000 & 12/2000 for 6 days and will go back there as an outpatient again in 5/2002--the service I received there far surpasses anything I received from the 4 lung docs I saw in my hometown & was well worth the journey, trouble & expense.
I know it's probably not really what you wanted to hear & I don't know what technically can be done for your child. It must be very difficult for you to see her so ill for so long. I'm sure the LungLine nurse will have some practical suggestions, but it really is difficult for anyone to provide medical care via Forum.
Another option is to try to get your child evaluated & treated at the nearest LARGE medical teaching hospital which has a good lung & gastroenterology department.
Best of luck! There is more info (if you're interested) in becoming a patient (or having your daughter as a patient) at www.NationalJewish.org; they participate with many insurance plans.
Aloha,
Starion--thriving in HI