Comments on: A Roadmap of Asthma Maintenance

By: Does this Mean My Baby or Toddler Has Asthma?

Does this Mean My Baby or Toddler Has Asthma? — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:17:00 +0000

[...] take them to your pediatrician. This disorder tends to be best controlled if it is caught early and controlled [...]

By: Asthma Mom’s 10 Rules to De-Trigger Your House

Asthma Mom’s 10 Rules to De-Trigger Your House — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:35:52 +0000

[...] adjusting a few habits and indoor elements – in conjunction, always in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan – can go a long way towards easing the number and severity of [...]

By: Tuesdays are Your Turn – World Asthma Day Advice

Tuesdays are Your Turn – World Asthma Day Advice — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:07:15 +0000

[...] most parents and patients facing a new diagnosis won’t know the first steps on that road to maintenance and [...]

By: rick

rick — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:14:45 +0000

Rightly so that you mention reading about asthma more than once. Can’t overemphasize the importance of asthma wisdom.

By: Allison

Allison — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:15:03 +0000

Her Grace — before my son was diagnosed and before he had any other symptoms, he would have difficulty taking a deep breath. It was like he couldn’t get the rhythm of breathing down. I pretty much ignored it, but looking back, it was one of the first signs of trouble.

By: Amy

Amy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:44:07 +0000

Sure sounds like an asthma symptom to me. I don’t know what it feels like personally, of course, but I do know that when the airways constrict during a flare, air trapping occurs. And not being able to get enough of the air OUT on the exhale apparently feels like you can’t get enough air IN.

When AG goes through this, she breathes in okay, but coughs on the exhale. She’s never complained of not being able to take a deep breath, but when she was little and too young to explain her symptoms or use a peak flow meter, we had to count her respirations per minute. Fast, shallow breathing without exercise meant she was flaring, and I’ve always assumed she wasn’t able to take deep breaths during those times, either.

By: Her Grace

Her Grace — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:19:58 +0000

Amy — I have a question. My older daughter, who I suspect may be heading toward RAD or asthma, has been complaining of not being able to take a deep breath. She doesn’t cough or wheeze or get short of breath unless she’s sick. I have EXACTLY the same symptom, and my doctors have always said it’s unlikely to be related to asthma. But now that we’re both doing it, I’m wondering.

Is being unable to take a deep breath a symptom of asthma in children? (I know you can’t give medical advice, just bouncing it off you.)

By: Ang

Ang — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:18:04 +0000

another good tip: when they get old enough give them ownership. As much as they can handle. Be it writing the peak flow number, or taking their meds every day themselves and marking it on a chart. The more ownership the better, our jobs are to teach them how to live with asthma! (okay and worry our heads off in the prcoess!!!) Great list Amy

I haven’t written out our diagnosis stories. I’m still muddling why it took so long with Alorah, and how hard it was to swallow with Vance being that he was a tiny 4mth old. I will soon though..

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:54:16 +0000

Yeah, I wish I would have DONE all this right away when the kid got her diagnosis–and especially taken her to a specialist immediately. This list should be subtitled, “Do as I say, not as I did.”

By: kerri

kerri — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:41:44 +0000

Very nice! I wish I would have had this when I got my diagnosis !

I definitely agree with seeing a pulmonologist right off. I could have likely saved a LOT of time and trial and error if I’d been assessed more thoroughly nearer to the time of my diagnosis. However, better late than never!
Same goes for the allergy testing. I’m interested in seeing my results next week, that’s for sure .

The testing and seeing a specialist allows patients [and parents!] to see the bigger asthma picture, something you’re likely not getting when you’re just seeing a regular doctor.