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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Need help with sons reactive airways,,,,,advice please
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Need help with sons reactive airways,,,,,advice please
by Raiderette, May 11, 2004 12:00AM
My son was a twin born at 28 weeks gestation 2 pds 12 oz. He was on a standard ventilator for 10 days following which he progressed well. His younger twin passed away due to non-prematurity related issues. Anyway, my son is almost 2. Last winter he did not have any respiratory related issues even after catching a few colds. This year, we have not been so lucky here is chronology.
November - extended cough, put on low dose (50mcg Flovent), 2 puffs 2Xdaily
January - unidentified infection, high temp, lethargic, low appetite, high respirations, O2 level 98%, hospitalized 2 days, ventilin masks every 4 hours, amoxicillin
February - Cough, congestion, no fever, high energy, great appetite, high respirations, O2 level 98%, x-ray diagnosed pnuemonia (pneumonia), amoxicillan and upped flovent to 2puffs 4xdaily to be weaned back to 2 puffs x2daily
March - Same symptoms as February, wheezy chest, x-ray indicated mucus plugs in the lung, put on pediapred 5 days
April - Same as March.
Each episode started with a cold. Dr.'s RX reactive airways. Others have suggested there might be some link given each espisode starts when he is also teething and could be related given the drooling. CF has been suggested however, pediatrician feels not an issue given our genetic testing, his history and lack of other symptoms. Although has scheduled him for a sweat test to rule out 100%. If reactive airways can this be managed better so that we avoid the oral steriods and up and down of his symptoms? Also, can a child this age have sinusitus? Any other thoughts or suggestions out there?
THANKS!
November - extended cough, put on low dose (50mcg Flovent), 2 puffs 2Xdaily
January - unidentified infection, high temp, lethargic, low appetite, high respirations, O2 level 98%, hospitalized 2 days, ventilin masks every 4 hours, amoxicillin
February - Cough, congestion, no fever, high energy, great appetite, high respirations, O2 level 98%, x-ray diagnosed pnuemonia (pneumonia), amoxicillan and upped flovent to 2puffs 4xdaily to be weaned back to 2 puffs x2daily
March - Same symptoms as February, wheezy chest, x-ray indicated mucus plugs in the lung, put on pediapred 5 days
April - Same as March.
Each episode started with a cold. Dr.'s RX reactive airways. Others have suggested there might be some link given each espisode starts when he is also teething and could be related given the drooling. CF has been suggested however, pediatrician feels not an issue given our genetic testing, his history and lack of other symptoms. Although has scheduled him for a sweat test to rule out 100%. If reactive airways can this be managed better so that we avoid the oral steriods and up and down of his symptoms? Also, can a child this age have sinusitus? Any other thoughts or suggestions out there?
THANKS!
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, May 17, 2004 12:00AM
, May 17, 2004 12:00AM
Infections like a cold or pneumonia can cause inflammation of the airways of the lungs. Usually when this occurs, your son may cough when he is active or laughs. This inflammation can cause wheezing and coughing. After the infection is gone, it is possible for the inflammation to linger. This inflammation can last for several weeks. Sometimes this inflammation may linger for 3 to 6 months. Eventually the inflammation will go away, and then the wheezing and coughing will stop. This is called reactive airways disease (RAD) and behaves a lot like asthma. This inflammation often clears more quickly when it is treated with an inhaled steroid like Pulmicort Respules™ (budesonide inhalation suspension), which is given by nebulizer to treat asthma. It may be possible to keep your son well and avoid the oral steroids by using the Pulmicort Respules™ (budesonide inhalation suspension) every day. Your son’s doctor is the best judge of this.
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities. Inflammation of the sinuses could be due to an allergy, an infection, or ongoing exposure to an irritant, such as pollution or smoke. Children under the age of 2 years can have sinusitis. The best way to identify a sinusitis is with a sinus CT scan, although sinus x-rays are a decent alternative.
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities. Inflammation of the sinuses could be due to an allergy, an infection, or ongoing exposure to an irritant, such as pollution or smoke. Children under the age of 2 years can have sinusitis. The best way to identify a sinusitis is with a sinus CT scan, although sinus x-rays are a decent alternative.
