is this asthma or something else ???

[jenilee]

I have a 17 month old son, Bradley, who has recently had pneumonia for the third time in less than a year. This time we had to go to the ER 2x for breathing treatments because he was having a hard time.  We were given ventolin, flovent, and pediapred ( the latter for 1 week only). He is much better now, 3 weeks later, and is still on flovent but not on ventolin since there is no more wheezing. He had wheezing one other time with a previous cold, but it was very slight and only lasted a day or so.  His pediatrician has not told me he has asthma, but I saw it written in his file. So is this asthma ? Also, he seems to get ill quite often, in less than a year he has had 3 pneumonias,10 ear infections ( this last one while on Biaxin for the pneumonia). not to mention numerous viruses. He is allergic to dairy and eggs, and suffers from eczema. He weighs only 21 lbs, and has been previously tested for CF, which radiographs showed " hyper inflation ", but sweat test was negative. What does hyper inflation mean ?  Could he have an immune system problem ? I was told I shouldn't worry since the pneumonia's were small...but I am having a hard time accepting that. Any insight as to what should be considered would be greatly appreciated.

[National Jewish]

There are three basic allergic problems that can occur alone or in a sequence.  The first is eczema.  This occurs in infancy and may progress to about 5 years old.  It usually subsides by that time.  The second is asthma.  About 50% of children with eczema develop asthma.  This can start anytime after the eczema, usually by the third birthday.  The third problem is allergic rhinitis, which is a runny nose with sneezing due to ear and sinus infections in young children.  This too can start any time after the eczema.

It is likely that your son has at least two of these and more likely, all three.  I am not convinced that your son has ever had pneumonia, as asthma attacks look like pneumonia many times, particularly when related to an infection.  Hyperinflation is simply when your son is breathing hard when they take an x-ray and this is a very common finding in asthma during an attack.

I would highly recommend that you go to our website www.nationaljewish.org and look around the asthma sections.  There is lots of information that can ease your mind and lead you to make good decisions as to what to do next.  With all of the problems you have described, a visit to a board certified pediatric allergist would probably be of help.  A short visit to National Jewish Medical and Research Center might be an option if local resources are difficult to find.

[blondeviolin]

Hyperinflation is just what happens when your lungs get stretched out from trying to breathe.  It's usually seen in COPD patients, especially emphysematic ones.  But, in asthmatics it can happen during a flare.  It usually goes away, though.  His tendency to get pnuemonia (pneumonia) is typical of someone with a lung disorder.  I would ask your pedi straight up what s/he thinks.  This way he has no way to dodge your question.  I would also look into getting a nebulizer for your home use.

[jenilee]

I am sure he had the pneumonias...they were all confirmed by xray and were done after 5-7 days of low grade fever and coughing that would not improve..including with the use of ventolin. Two days on antibitiocs and there was always improvement. I am pretty sure he does have asthma but that he did also have the pneumonias.

He also has dairy and egg allergy that we know of, and will be tested for more next month. I almost feel more confused now...

[PCDgal]

Hi jenilee,

I'm sorry your son is going through all this.  I know it can leave you feeling helpless. I've had similiar symptoms all my life.  I was wondering if after the CF tests came back negative if the docs mentioned the possibility of a cilia disorder? Some of the symptoms are similiar to Cf.

All the best to your son

[jenilee]

Thanks so much for your reply..no a cilia disorder was never brought up..in fact I don't even know what it is.  In any case I am taking notes and will have many more questions at our next pediatrician appt. Thanks for you well wishes !

[jenilee]

Well now I am baffled...today he has fever of 39 C and has had 2 BM's with a small amount of jelly tinged with blood in them. He has a history of blood in his stool from before his allergies were diagnosed..but it's been months..what going on now ?? From this be from all the anitbiotics..and why fever..he is still on the clavulin!

[Concerned lady]

You may want to see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist and a Pediatric Allergist, in case your son has some FOOD SENSITIVITIES (in addition to the milk & eggs) that haven't yet been identified, and to find out the source of the blood in his stools.

If the antibiotics are having bad side effects, there are "probiotics" (beneficial, edible, good bacteria) that often can help, without interfering with the antibiotics (as long as you leave a couple of hours between the antibiotics and the probiotics).

One kind of probiotic that is gentle, yet effective, is called Dairy-free Maxi Bifidus, by Ethical Nutrients. Ask your child's doctor about this. It's in the refrigerated section of health food stores or in good pharmacies. The powdered form (you mix with room temperature water) has only 2 ingredients, to avoid possible bad reactions from too many additives (excipients, fillers, binders, etc.). These are Bifidus infantum (a species of probiotic related to acidophilus), and rice maltodextrin (said to be gluten-free, by the company).

Food sensitivities can cause GASTRIC REFLUX, and the reflux can cause or worsen RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS of many kinds.

Some foods that some children are sensitive to, include GLUTEN (found in wheat, rye, oats, barley, buckwheat, etc.), SOY, CORN, and other foods.

Brown rice is gluten-free.

Children whose ancestors are from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Scandinavian countries, northern Europe, and northern Africa, are at higher than average risk for having a genetic tendency for having gluten intolerance.

One kind of gluten intolerance is called Celiac Disease. There are many types of gluten intolerance. Sometimes, the gluten intolerance causes gastric reflux, and gastric reflux can cause or worsen respiratory problems.

Yes, it can be confusing. Nat'l Jewish is a top Respiratory Medical Center. You can call them (call their LUNG LINE) or bring your child there, to be seen, in Denver, CO. Their LUNG LINE phone number is 1-800-222-LUNG(5864).

Good luck in helping your son to get fully diagnosed and treated, soon!

Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[jenilee]

Just wanted to update and say that Bradley was hospitlized for his pneumonia, which got worse and spread to both lungs. He needed Iv antibiotics to clear up the infection, and is now breathing easy, no more coughing or wheezing. He is being worked up by immunology to check his antibody levels...and hopefully things will become clearer!