Asthma in children?

Question

My son has asthma, which usually only appears when he has a cold.

For the past couple of weeks he's had a permanently blocked nose and a frequent cough. But I'm confused - I thought asthma was usually accompanied by a dry cough, whereas his is quite "phlegmy" - when he wakes up coughing, it seems like he has to clear his pipes and then he can go back to sleep.

What are other people's experiences. I'd just like to understand this condition better.

(And please don't tell me to see the doctor, as obviously we already have).

He was checked by a hospital doctor a few days ago for signs of infection, and his lungs were completely clear. So that's not the problem.

Answer 1

It's not always a dry cough, as the production of mucus is one of the things that happens when Asthma is triggered. It really sounds like he has Bronchitis right now, my daughter and I both end up with it after a cold. Basically it's a chest cold and not much can be do for it. However my daughter has developed pneumonia twice, so be vigilant and if you feel as if something is wrong, don't let yourself be put off. One time I didn't give up on getting a diagnosis for her, and they took a chest x-ray, and sure enough, she had pneumonia. We caught it really early, but wouldn't have if I hadn't insisted they take care of her problem. Is your son also being treated for allergies? They often accompany asthma and could be what is causing the blocked nose and phlegmy cough. And allergies aren't just during one time of the year, some people have year round allergies, and some people have them worse in the Fall.

Answer 2

my son who is 35 now suffered with asthma from the age of 2 up until he was 17. I always knew when he was going to get an attack as is cheeks would take on a unhealthy red colour a couple of days before followed by a dry cough which would turn into a phlegmy cough eventually this was better because he would be able to cough up the stuff and clear his pipes. I know this might sound weird but I used to give him Lucozade to drink which always made him sick and seemed to put him on the road to recovery. Also encourage your son to take up swimming as this is a very good exercise to strengthen the lungs. I wish your son a speedy recovery

Answer 3

Maybe I can help, I too have a 13 year old son with asthma since birth. My child's symptoms were and continue to be very similar to yours. Chances are that he will have sinus problems perhaps accompanied with ear infections? If any of these things continue to reoccur, I would recommended that you ask the pediatrician if he can recommended a good E.N.T. doctor. With asthma, many of these associated symptoms tend to occur. Usually if a child with asthma has a cold, it typically turns into broncitias. Also ask the doctor about a nebulizer, but be careful because they didn't tell me just how quickly it makes the heart beat, and try other medicines besides steroids. Although many of the options work and open the airways. It can take it's toll on their little bodies. Just be cautious and be certain to ask about ALL of the side effects. Hope your little guy feels batter and take care!

Answer 4

I feel your pain. I've had asthma for 14 years now and have seen several doctors. The truth is, there is no known cure for asthma at the moment. But the symptoms can be prevented. It really depends on what causes your brother's asthma. Mine is usually dust and hot weather. But I think the universal method is using the control inhaler.

I cured my Asthma the natural way?

Answer 5

My mother suffered with Asthma so understand part of your concern. Cats fur,Dry heat, problems anyone catching a cold was fatal for my mum, to be ill it`s not unusual to have phelm with this condition the last thing he needs is someone fussing attacks can be bought on by many reasons just ensure he takes his medicine & has a strong cup of tea not milky,You don`t say how old your son is?check out the local library to see the different strains of asthma there are as well?Many.

Answer 6

If his lungs are clear, and there is no "color" to his mucus, there is no worry of another lung infection.

I suspect that he has allergies as well as his Asthma. Many children have allergies that trigger Asthma.Normally the allergies will make the person produce a clear "phlegm" and will have a congested cough associated with it.

You could check with your doctor about a non-drowsey anti-histimine, and if this becomes serious, take him to an Allergist for testing.

Answer 7

I had asthma as a child as well (which has gotten tremendously better as a grew up so take heart). My doctor told me that people who have asthma are more susceptible to other lung conditions. It sounds to me what he is experiencing now might be a bout of bronchitis. It also take people with asthma longer to heal and recover from such illnesses.

Answer 8

asthma does not need to come with a cough. I am asthmatic and as a child mine would flare up when i was sick with a cold or something because of the mucus on my chest. However you can have an attack and there be nothing wrong.

Answer 9

go back to the doc, his asthma meds arent doing it form him, he needs revised meds, ans may have an infection on top... with asthma coulds and coughs can linger for a lot longer and lead easier to secondray bacterial infections causing 'green' phlem... what ever he need to go back to the doc, asthma uncontrolled...which it the coughing at night... with infection can kill... get him checked out not worth the risk

Answer 10

asthma is just a name slapped onto a number of different conditions there are lots of different types but asthma is like a fingerprint it is unique in everyone
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why not ask for an asthma uk attack guidlines card this could!!! save your childs life!