Second, it’s interesting that you mention how your son’s cough seemed normal because you have it, too. That’s just like why it took ME so long to realize AG’s health was poor. I don’t have asthma, of course, but she was my first baby and I was very young–I simply had no idea that EVERY parent didn’t end up in the ER frequently for babies. I know how that sounds, believe me, but I hadn’t ever been around babies much, lol.

Also, the trial you’re giving yourself is pretty much the way AG’s asthma was diagnosed. Before she ever saw a ped. pulmo, the ped. basically said, “Look, if the albuterol helps then she has asthma or something like asthma. If she doesn’t outgrow the symptoms, then it’s asthma.”

Finally, can I just say how much I love the phrase “my allergist is a *hammer* and everything is a nail.” That’s just extremely awesome.

Glad to see you back, Andie, and keep us posted, ok?

I went to the allergist yesterday figuring it would be useful to know about environmental allergies, since I know I have a couple (cats, ragweed, probably mold). Turns out I’m allergic to those plus a whole bunch of other things, which haven’t really been bothering me. As long as they aren’t affecting my quality of life I’m not worried, but at least I know I’m sensitized to them so I have more information if it becomes a problem. It was quite a surprise to hear the doc say I am “very allergic” since I don’t consider myself to be at all!

My baby had a cold in the last 2 weeks and I’ve been running on broken sleep, etc. and coughing alot at night … plus my upper airways feeling kind of heavy. Sleeping propped up and taking a cough candy was helpful but didn’t eradicate the problem. I saw a nurse practitioner at my GP’s and she listened to my lungs, but said it didn’t really sound like much beyond needing extra sleep. When I mentioned to the allergist, she said it could well be a very mild asthma thing and she gave me a trial dry powder inhaler. (some of my enviro allergies, like cockroach, are a strong link to asthma risk). Well I tried the inhaler last night and it worked – no coughing & a good night sleep. Hmm.

I don’t think I’d have considered mentioning it before dealing with my son’s possible asthma, researching, and finding your site, Amy! Thank you!

It *could* be the natural progression of the cold, as my daughter recently stopped coughing. It could be that my allergist is a “hammer” and everything is a nail (ie. she is much more likely to suspect asthma and perhaps over-reacts). On the other hand, we coudl be onto something here.

I took a dose this afternoon but I think tonight I won’t take it, and just see what happens. If I wake up coughing – htere’s more evidence for the asthma side.

I’d never, ever have thought I could have asthma. I guess that’s why I didn’t think much of my DS coughing after a cold, becasue it’s “normal” for me too. The regular health practicioners (GP – I have a great GP) never flagged it. Being so much more aware for my son, and having access to a more specialist doc, may end up making a big difference for my health too, down the road.

Who’d have thought ???

Sorry this is so long!

Andie

Big AG,
She’s a little trooper, though, and we keep the desaloratadine close at hand. It’s the only thing that helps her without bothering her stomach. I L-O-V-E it, but the co-pay sure could be better.

We’ve got a little of everything in this house–hay fever, eczema, skin allergies, asthma–BUT no food allergies, and I’m grateful for that.

I know nasal washes work, but they sound dreadful.

I get tired of being told ‘just give him some Clearatin.’ I would like to add a tip for people if budget allows. Air filters. Not the ones that cost megabucks from Brookstone. An inexpensive hepa filtered one from Walmart will make a big difference in your ability to keep the windows open in great weather.

But even the ‘whisper quiet’ ones can be annoying if they are really inexpensive. During the day, the noise is less noticeable than at night. Keep up the great work!