When my 5 year old gets congested her doctor gives her albuterol for treatment along with a decongestant. this has been going on since she was 2. now she does go to daycare but is this normal or does she have asthma or bronchitis?
It is hard to determine without knowing the symptoms that are present along with the congestion of your 5 year old. Need to be more specific and would recommend consulting with your physician.
How can I tell if my daughter has asthma or if she’s just out of shape?
Coughing, wheezing and chest retractions would imply asthma symptoms. Sometimes it is difficult to determine just by having a physical exam. In a situation like this, the patient can be challenged in a laboratory setting with, for example, exercise or methacholine to see if there is some asthma associated with those challenges. Your doctor could explain in more detail.
My son was diagnosed with astma by his pediatrician, no other test were performed just the regular one were the doctor listens to his lungs. Recently he was put on heavy medication just because I was concerned he would get out of breath sometimes. My son took a week to starts the meds because of insurance and he was just fine. Can astma be diagnosed by the doctor just listening to the patients lung or are further tests needed?
It depends on age. For example, pulmonary function tests can be done usually by 5 to 6 years old and this could help to diagnose asthma. In younger children, the doctor relies more on physical findings such as wheezing, type of cough, etc.
What are the best medicines on the market for a 15 year old child who suffers with asthma seasonally.
Always have a rescue medication to be used if suddenly needed. Preventive medication to be used daily depends on how frequent the symptoms are, and how severe they are when the patient gets them. A doctor would recommend alternatives of control or preventive medications. Usual control medications are in 2 groups: inhaled steroids and antileukotrienes.
Older Questions & Answers »