son needs help

not too sure what my sone has. i also do not trust our doc- shes actually a nurse practioner.
can a nurse practioner diagnose asthma? can she refuse referalls to a pulmonologist? at what age can my son have testing for athma done? and what are the tests?
so far ive been told my 5 yr old is too young for tests, so now hes a guinea pig.
is there a difference between RAD and asthma?  is there a way to tell the difference between asthma and pneumonia? the np said you cant. will inhalers actually keep him from contractin viral infections? (colds,pneumonia?)  the promblem im having is that my son doesnt have a problem with exercise and running around. thinking it might be the dog. the only thing he has is when he gets sick, he has a cough that goes with it and last for while. hes had pneumonia 3 times- 9mos,2yrs, 4yrs old. when hes not sick or getting over a cold, hes fine. he runs like a horse. sometimes with his cough, its so hard that he throws up. anyone have any suggestions?

[National Jewish]

Viral infections, like a cold, or pneumonia can cause inflammation of the airways of the lungs.  When this happens, there may be coughing with activity or laughing.  This inflammation can cause coughing so hard that the person throws up.  If a virus were the cause antibiotics would not help to get rid of the infection.  Over time the body's natural defenses clear a viral infection.

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 coughing will stop.  This is called reactive airways disease (RAD) and behaves a lot like asthma.  On a simple breathing test, called spirometry, this may not show up.  This inflammation often clears more quickly when it is treated with an inhaled steroid medicine, which is given to treat asthma.  Usually this medicine does not help after just one use.  It may need to be used every day for several weeks to months for it to help.  Your son

[2kidswithRAD]

My name is nicole and I live in Ohio.
I have two children and they both have R.A.D.
My son was diagnosed at 2but had it for much longer. His doctor kept telling me he was to young to diagnose and that he could grow out of it. Meanwhile we were up in th night with coughing spells(so hard I thought he was going to throw up)and having to be on breathing treatments only when he coughed because cough medicine was not enough.Frustrated and tired I changed doctors and on the first visit was properly diagnosed as rad. This is a form of asthma only it is environmental. Just as you suspected dog dander, dust , perfume or cologne, anything can set it off.
My daughter is 8 months old and was diagnosed at 2 months and is getting the proper treat.
They are both on an inhaled steroid daily called pulmicort that is to keep the lungs open and prevent attacks. then if they have attacks they have albuterol or xpopenex (pronounced
zop-en-ex). My son has been on the steroid a year and has had two attacks. There are low side effects to the drug but my son and daughter have exp. none.
This is a frustrating dis. but it can be controlled. I but the best furnace filters, sweep everyday, we got rid of our carpet,and we are very concious of smoke, candles and anything with odors.It takes alot but anything is better than watching an attack and feeling helpless.My advice get a second opinion.
I hope I have answered some questions.  

                              hang in there,
                                      nicole

[sarah and eric]

thank you so much for youre reply!!  a little more at ease now! seeking that second opinion, hope all is well with your kids!

[sarah and eric]

thank you, all your information helps alot.

[PortiaElgin]

Please get assistance and a second opinion for your son.

My son was 2 months old and diagnosed with Asthma by a pediatrician in the hospital. He had asthma so bad that he could not sleep on his back for 14 months and vommitted severely because of his asthma for the entire 14 months of his life.

He is now 6 and we monitor his asthma with Ventolin and FloVent 125. A chamber to give the puffers has made ER trips few.

God Bless.

Judy