Dustin
|
You need to listen for wheezing. Two of the most likely situations here: Either he has asthma (in which case you will here a definitive WHEEZE in his breathing), or his heart rate is too fast. Is he a skinny kid?
When he/she has an episode, make everything very quiet, and make him/her breath in and out, deeply. Full Breaths. Listen for any type of wheeze. Ask if his/her chest feels tight. Ask if it feels like there is something RIGHT BELOW the throat that it keeping air from getting in there. If so, and if you here wheezing, then you can do one of two things:
Go to Wal-Mart and buy Primatene Mist. I don't particularly suggest this asthma can because it contains Epinephrine, which is good enough but it also contains a few other chemicals I don't think should be breathed in. If the asthma is RARE, go for this, it's cheap and it works for mild and rare attacks.
OR, go to the doctor and get a prescription asthma can. The kid will hate this stuff becuase it tastes awful but it works. It's more expensive, but again if it's mild and the attacks are rare, then it's worth it.
DO NOT let a kid self medicate on an asthma can if the case is mild, the can should be used responsibly because believe me that stuff will cause damage if overused.
#2, he/she has a fast heart rate. If he can't breath, and its NOT asthma, that's probably the case. Take his/her heart rate (you better know how to do that if you're a parent, if not, Feel the pulse for 15 seconds - look at a watch - count the heart beats, multiply heart beat by 4 and thats your BPM) If the BPM is 90 or above, you probably have a skinny kid, and a fast heart. See a doctor to get the kid some help with either #1 weight, or #2 if he/she is normal weight with a fast heart, some medication to help for what is currently an existing heart problem.
If an attack happens tonight. he/she can get to sleep by doing basic breathing excercises (to calm down the heart, breath deep), and by sitting UPWARD in a hospital bed position to promote correct heart-blood-flow. Knees up toward the chest help this sort of breathing practice.
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EDIT: I also warn you that if you ever wanted your kid to join the military, you do not want Asthma on his/her record. When I joined the Air Force I went through hell having to convince them that the doctor who diagnosed me with asthma was an idiot, and I had never had it before. If things can be kept off of a kid's medical record, all the better, in my opinion.... But some things you do need to see a doctor for, definitely |
rumbler_12
|
Those are similar to symptoms I had as a child with asthma and still occasional have at 49 with asthma.
My doctor gave me singulair in addition to my rescue inhaler and since starting the singulair I seldom have problems.
I am not saying it is asthma because it could be many things of a respiratory nature, and only a doctor can tell.
He needs to see a doctor on this, who can determine the best course of action for whatever it is.
Do not try primatene pills or mist without knowing it is asthma, though. The effects of those things on the heart can be a real problem especially for a child.
Take him to the doctor as soon as you can make an appointment.
I have provided you with some links that might be of interest to you. |
Terrible G
 |
Could be asthma. Does not sound like it. Might be allergies, anxiety, stress, or really just about anything.
Start with your ped. They should be able to help. If the problem still exists move on to a pulm.
Pulmonary function tests can rule out asthma fast. Breathing into a computer and that is it. Takes five minutes and you will have an answer.
Or you can get a peak flow meter and have your child peak his breathing each day at home. |
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