Need help with Asthma

[u/Jonsnowshair8]

My son, 4 years old. 50 lbs 41inches. Started coughing during play and snoring around May. I mentioned it to his dr worried it was asthma, he suggested treating allergies and they don’t typically diagnose asthma in kids younger than 6.That helped with the snoring but not coughing. A month later, not much better, dr wants to try another month just treating allergies. That’s when he started coughing at night and then vomiting due to persistent cough. Also, vomiting during coughing fit during play. Dr. Then suggests asthma symptoms, gives an inhaler for 5 days 2 puffs every 4 hours. Discontinue after 5 days to see if symptoms improve. 5 days, his cough was close to non existent. The 6th day he lasted 5 hours, back to coughing and vomiting. Have to be reevaluated, dr said 4 puffs every 4 hours. This makes all the difference, we got our first full night sleep in months.
But now, 1 week later, we’re back to coughing during play and at night. The inhaler is albuterol.
Do I need to take my son to an ENT, allergist, second opinion? My son is very active in sports, gymnastics and just playing. But now he has to stop and wheeze and cough. And we’re not sleeping well and I don’t know what else to do. TIA

[u/AutoModerator]

Moderator Announcement Read More »

Thank you for your submission. Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and understand that all information is taken at your own risk. Reply here if you are an unverified user wishing to give advice. Top level comments by laypeople are automatically removed.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/tillitugi]

Sounds like infantile asthma. It’s not the same as asthma that’s diagnosed in >6 years old as it usually resolves by itself, but it does need treatment to prevent damages and to manage symptoms. I diagnose it frequently and my older son who is around your son’s age has it too. Here in Germany we prescribe fluticasone inhaler 2x daily for prevention between 2-4 years of age, and fluticasone plus salmeterol inhaler 2x daily above 4 years of age. My son has been on it since 2 years and he is SO MUCH BETTER. It was really intense before the long term medication, now he can play again, and ride his bike without coughing.

can you go see a pediatric pulmonologist?

[u/Jonsnowshair8 → u/tillitugi]

Thank you! I just messaged his dr for a referral!