This is what the doctor said when I brought Vera to examine a cough that would not go away.
- No pets.
- No jumping on beds and swinging of pillows.
- Avoid citrus fruits and cold drinks when coughing.
- Leather or vinyl sofas are preferred compared to upholstery which is a dust-magnet.
- Her condition was probably triggered by dust, judging by the intense construction activity in our neighbourhood.
- It will probably not improve until the environmental conditions improve, or literally, until the dust settles.
- It peaks during the ages of 2-4 years, and only dies down around 9-10 years.
- Exercise is fine, unless we notice that after exercising, the coughing starts again.
She’s got allergy-induced asthma and a sensitive nose. I had childhood asthma and sinus as a child, and sensitive skin has accompanied me into adulthood. The daddy has mild eczema. So, thanks to us, our babies have sensitive genes.
Apparently, this package of sensitivities / allergies affects something like 20% of children in Singapore, in varying combinations.
Now, she’s got to use the Ventolin and Flixotide Evohalers, with the help of a spacer mask that’s designed for use by children aged 1-4 years. According to the PD, there are no side effects linked to the long term use of these drugs. (But when I was reading the drug specifications sheet, it did mention headaches and tremors as common side effects…Hmm.)
Two puffs in the morning and two at night. After each dose, it seems to help. But she still coughs quite a bit just after she falls asleep.
Though this is not the best of news, I was rather relieved for that 20-minute session with the elderly doctor. And that instead of being given a bottle of dark brown cough mixture and sent home, we were presented with what seems to be a real solution that will hopefully see us through.
I guess having been through those days myself also helps me to understand and accept her condition.
But still, that doesn’t mean I sit back and do nothing. I was reminded by some good friends that God can break this cycle. And that there is healing, or at least respite, for those who believe.
And we believe.
There’s a great deal that we take for granted these days, health being one of them. Today, I choose to be thankful for the kids’ overall good health. And for the ease at which we can receive proper treatment and advice.
What are you thankful for today?
Yes I definitely believe in total & complete healing. I’ve heard stories of friends who miraculously recovered from chronic asthmatic conditions… my hubby was also healed from his long-term gastric problems. Believing with you! =)
Thanks, Kless, for standing alongside. God is good! =)
My son has sensitive nose and skin problem too and we were also advised that the condition might improve only at about age of 11 years old. Doctor said it could be due to hereditary, dust or even my pet dog. Now my son has been advised to stay away from our doggie and also I need to clean more often. It can be painful in the heart to see my kid swallowing that much of syrup each time he gets sensitive nose, then cough, then bronchitis…Doc always says prevention is better than cure. What else is more important than a good health?
You’re right, Denesa, very little comes before health, and we should also take care as best as we know how, especially when it comes to little ones…
Thanks for sharing about your son’s condition, and I hope he improves soon (way before 11 yrs hopefully)!
Hope Vera will get better with the newly prescribed meds. And yes, lots of prayers will help greatly too.
I am thankful for all my blessings especially my hubby and kids.
Thanks Germaine. She seems to be doing okay for most part of the day. Hubby and kids - good things to be thankful for! =)
My nephews had the same thing and yes by the time they were 4 it got much better. My asthma started when I was 5 and was bad till I got my first period and then restarted again when I got pregnant! Bummer.
Anyways, I when I was young my doctor said to swim and it helps A LOT.
Ugh, what a bummer…I hope it goes away as quickly as it came. Yes, I did hear about the benefits of swimming before. Looks like we need to schedule more of that soon. Thanks for that tip!
J also had these bouts of wheezing triggered by dust etc and we also had to carry a spacer around with us for a period of time… Had a couple of trips to the A&E cos he had difficulty breathing… Now things are much better after we gave away our dog, and got more vigilant about vacuuming… Glad the puff helps her to be more comfy, hang in there til the dust settles! Will pray for her to get better!
Thanks Jus, really appreciate your prayers.
Both puffers with us since… she was 2+.
At the same time, we were blessed to find an alternative solution to heal her sensitive lungs. So, puffers become my back-up plan (which supported by 2 PDs, objected by 1 PD). I only puff her as and when needed, ie wheezing at night, especially towards year end when the weather is pretty cold. True enough that it peaks during the ages of 2-4 years, tiny her was badly cough and lethargic at one time till i even suspected the chicken or fish in her porridge trigger her asthma.
Anyway, through the year, we (include my girl) learn that what she can and can not eat/do/be when cough, which is listed in your post… Hang in there:).
Hope Vera gets better very soon.
Thanks for sharing PC. I know this is a common problem, but it does hurt still to see your child go through all that. What’s the alternative solution that you found?