https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 01 May 2026 06:05:26 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1633754 Wed, 14 May 2014 12:40:31 +0000 googly-eyes 1633754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a worrier but "steam" as treatment would make me think about changing pedis (after 3 months!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1633500 Wed, 14 May 2014 11:10:00 +0000 lizzywiz 1633500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: You are right on to be questioning the croup diagnosis- as we learned the hard way at our house, the word 'croup' can describe any thing that triggers the swelling and narrowing of the upper airway. The croup cough is a seal like bark from the narrowing of the airway, not the phlegmy one people always say sounds 'croupy'. So, I agree, get an x-ray to confirm there is no steepling. Your instincts are right!</p> <p>Uh, I don't know how you feel about it, but the nose frida has helped us a lot and reduced respiratory infections and hospital stays. Often when my LO has a chronic night time cough it is drainage done the back of her throat., so even if she doesn't sound super congested if we nose frida her + decongestant spray (lil remedies) the cough diminishes and she sleeps. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620763 Thu, 08 May 2014 08:12:19 +0000 Adira 1620763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: Wow! I'm furious for you that your doctor didn't even do any tests to really determine the cause of her issues!!! That's absolutely horrible! I'm soooooooooo glad you got a referral and will be seeing a pediatrician!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620758 Thu, 08 May 2014 08:10:06 +0000 Cherrybee 1620758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: @Anagram: She has had no tests at all - no swabs, no X-rays, nothing. He just saw the family history and said asthma. </p> <p>@Mrs. Jump Rope: The doctor dismissed my questions about triggers, claiming that asthma is purely genetic. We have two small, fluffy dogs and I would rehome them in an instant if it would help but I would need to be certain it was them she was allergic to. I read that even sending them away for a few days won't give us any clues because it takes around a year for dander to degrade in the home. Apart from that, we have laminate floors throughout and I'm a clean freak. It's not humid at all where we live (wet yes, humid no!!). I also wondered about dietary triggers - maybe I should start a food diary. Hmm. </p> <p> @London Mama: Well he sat there with a piece of paper, writing furiously, scowling and the only time he spoke during that time (at least 5 minutes) was to confirm that the cough had lasted for three months. I think that was him writing the referral?? Now we just wait for a letter, right? </p> <p>@looch: Thank you. </p> <p>You all make me feel so much better. Thanks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620729 Thu, 08 May 2014 07:41:57 +0000 looch 1620729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So you have the referral in hand? That's good news, I think!</p> <p>You've done the right thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620721 Thu, 08 May 2014 07:36:31 +0000 London Mama 1620721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Saw your GP didn't appreciate you asking for a referral, his feelings may be hurt but it's not your job to bolster his ego. The current course of treatment isn't working for your child and you are definitely right to ask for further assessment by a specialist. Did the GP write the referral in the end?</p> <p>How is LO doing now? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620703 Thu, 08 May 2014 07:16:03 +0000 Adira 1620703@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: @Cherrybee: Bronchiolitis is USUALLY caused by RSV, but not always! Xander doesn't have RSV or the flu, so we think just a random cold caused his! But that's a good point - did your LO get swabbed to check for RSV? Xander had to get a booger swab to test for it.</p> <p>You can do the inhaler while sleeping, but we found it challenging. Xander tends to sleep on his stomach and you need to make a seal with the mask, so I always had to roll him over, which woke him up. Hubs managed to do it once though, so I know it can be done, haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620699 Thu, 08 May 2014 07:11:06 +0000 Anagram 1620699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: @Cherrybee: I forgot about bronchiolitis, aka RSV. Our LO had that in January and it took a good 2-3 months to totally clear up but her daycay couch still persists 5 months later.</p> <p>Has your doctor ruled out bronchiolitis? We had to give our LO breathing treatments for about a month there and we always did it when she was asleep. We would just let her sleep on our bed and then would hold the mask close to her face (but not touching) for the 10 or so minutes of the treatment. </p> <p>I'm sure an inhaler is different--is there no way to do it while she sleeps? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620691 Thu, 08 May 2014 06:59:01 +0000 Adira 1620691@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I'm a little late to this party, but I've been dealing with wheezing and a cough in Xander. Our pediatrician originally suggested it might be asthma related, but turns out it's pneumonia and broncholitis. Did your doctor do a chest x-ray at all to rule out pneumonia or anything like that?</p> <p>We have to give Xander an inhaler every 4 hours, and it's definitely rough. I usually end up laying him down, sitting on him, and holding the mask over his face with both hands. He HATES it, but it does seem to be helping. He's also on antibiotics and a steroid for the pneumonia. And we got a cool mist humidifier for his room and run it at night.</p> <p>I really hope when you see the pediatrician, you'll have better luck and they'll find a treatment that works for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620686 Thu, 08 May 2014 06:49:36 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1620686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I think you did the right thing. His protocol wasn't working and instead if suggesting a new regimine, he said there's nothing else he can do. </p> <p>I would really try to get to the bottom of her triggers. Asthma is scary, especially in such a little kid who can't tell you that they're having an attack. </p> <p>Even at age 2 I'm not sure id willingly had Chloe tested for allergies. Instead, I'd remove any trigger I could think of. For me, it's dust/mites and certain animals. We ripped carpet out of our house (one room left!) and and put in new flooring. My quality of health is like night and day. I haven't used my inhaler or nebulizer in a year, and I was using them multiple times a day.</p> <p>Did they suggest allergies? Is it humid where you live? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620680 Thu, 08 May 2014 06:45:28 +0000 Cherrybee 1620680@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jump Rope: Nope. Everyone here has a General Practitioner (GP)also known as the "family doctor". Peds, along with all other specialists (dermatologists, gynecologists etc), are based at the hospital and you need a referral from your GP in order to see one. The GP will only refer if it's something he/she can't deal with (eg cancer, heart surgery) or if their treatments have not worked (eg skin conditions that haven't responded t treatment). You see the specialist then they send a letter to your GP with the medications you need on it so they can put it on a repeat prescription. Diabetes, asthma, childrens health, eczema - you name it, it's dealt with by your family doctor who isn't a specialist in anything. Like I said, my doctor felt that asking for a referral to a ped was suggesting he was bad at his job.... :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620664 Thu, 08 May 2014 06:36:43 +0000 Pumuckl 1620664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: You definitely did the right thing! Hope the pedi has some ideas as to how to treat the cough. The nebulizer works wonders for us and usually the cough gets better after a couple of days. Maybe the pedi can prescribe you a rental device so you can try it out. (We don't run any meds in it just NaCl 0.9%). Poor, poor E for being so sick but lucky E for having such a lion as a mum!!! Big hugs across the channel :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620655 Thu, 08 May 2014 06:22:17 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1620655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: your doctor sounds like a real jerk! Are children not normally seen by a ped where you live? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620642 Thu, 08 May 2014 05:54:59 +0000 swedishfish 1620642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: you did the right thing. You need to advocate for your baby. Good job being a great mama bear! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620632 Thu, 08 May 2014 05:29:09 +0000 Anagram 1620632@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: in spite of how your doctor made you feel, you are 100% doing the right thing by getting a second opinion. Worse case scenario, your doctor is right and the pediatrician can't do anything--- oh well, then you'll know for sure. Best case scenario is that there's something the Ped can offer that will help you.</p> <p>Hang in there, mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1620631 Thu, 08 May 2014 05:23:29 +0000 Cherrybee 1620631@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: @looch: @creativemomma15: @Mrs. Jump Rope: @London Mama: and everyone else you replied (thank you). I just wanted to post an update: </p> <p>So, we took her back to the doctor today, after giving her as much steam as we could fit in, giving her the liquid salbutomol asthma medicine and trying to give her the inhaler through the spacer device (which she fights off) - none of which worked. He pretty much said that there is nothing more we can do and we need to persevere with the inhaler. I said that there MUST be more that can be done - different ways of administering the drugs to babies, different drugs - and asked for a referral to a pediatrician. Well my doctor flew into a rage. He said that he has many years experience and there's nothing a ped can do that he can't. He said that Peds don't like using salbutomol (but GPs do, apparently, because they see it working?) and a ped will only take her off all the medication and say there's nothing he/she can do at all - then we will in an even worse position. He then wrote our referral furiously. I asked afterwards about our interim care plan because daycare have now excluded her until we have a "care plan" in place. He said (angrily) "Our care plan is to refer her to a pediatrician and see what they advise" and dismissed us. DH had to see him afterwards about his arthritis and he raged through that appointment, too, snapping at him constantly. It was awful. I ended up in floods of tears in the car - and DH is really angry with me for "calling into question the doctor's capability", which is considered very rude here!). It's just awful. </p> <p>I'm doing the right thing, right? There HAS to be a way to help her?? If the inhaler and spacer device isn't working, there has to be another way to get the medicine into her? Nebulizer, perhaps? What is triggering this "asthma"? Indeed, is it even asthma at all?? DH thinks I'm being ridiculous and if the doctor says there's nothing more he can do then there clearly isn't...... </p> <p>..... but as the daycare lady said to me on the phone today (as she excluded her until a care plan is in place) - "not to alarm you but babies die of asthma" (helpful, huh?!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1604048 Thu, 01 May 2014 00:15:02 +0000 pinkcupcake 1604048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry, no advice, but I hope she feels better really soon! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1603936 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 21:39:14 +0000 Pepper 1603936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice, I just hope she feels better soon! I would definitely seek out a second opinion and follow your instincts. &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment/page/2#post-1603822 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 20:26:54 +0000 creativemomma15 1603822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I didn't read too closely to all the replies… but here are my thoughts… Whenever my DS gets a cold he usually gets the wheezing and cough and that can stick around for awhile. We tried an inhaler with spacer but found that he wasn't getting enough medicine in that way so the Dr switched it to a nebulizer and that always works! He gets some screen time while it runs to get him to stay still but it always helps with the coughing and wheezing. The first time it happened the Dr diagnosed him with croup. They told us cold air helps and it was the dead of winter so we would take him outside when it was bad and that did work well too. I am thinking you should try for a second opinion and maybe you could try a nebulizer with her. We started ours at every 4 hours and then wean it down as he is getting better. Oh, his cough always sounds "asthmatic" but the Dr said they don't like to diagnose it this young but it just seems that when he gets a cold or sick his body reacts with that wheezing and cough. I hope you can get some answers soon and LO gets better! It is exhausting when they are sick for so long!</p> <p>ETA: we rub coconut oil &amp; eucalyptus oil on his chest and feet too </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1603699 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:40:28 +0000 swedishfish 1603699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with PPs, get a second opinion. I hope E is feeling better soon! Sweet baby girl. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1603692 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:39:04 +0000 wonderstruck 1603692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: This has helped our LO with coughing at night too, I'd say it's worth a shot!</p> <p>I definitely agree with PPs though about seeking a second opinion. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1603647 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:30:51 +0000 Applesandbananas 1603647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not that this would be a cure for your LO, but perhaps it would ease the coughing at night... Have you tried putting chest rub (similar to a Vicks vapor rub) on her feet?</p> <p>DS always has a bit of a cough and runny nose and if it's keeping him up at night, we smear a bit on his feet, put socks on and it works. I have no idea how or why but it does for our LO, who isn't asthmatic, but maybe it would provide a little nighttime relief?</p> <p>I apologize if this sounds completely loony, but I thought I'd share! I hope your sweet baby girl is feeling better soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1603503 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:23:50 +0000 mrbee 1603503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: Ah found the product... it had just been mentioned in a magazine we had lying around!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/MyPurMist%C2%AE-Handheld-Inhaler-Vaporizer-Personal/dp/B006IM9JHY" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/MyPurMist%C2%AE-Handheld-Inhaler-Vaporizer-Personal/dp/B006IM9JHY</a></p> <p>&lt;&lt; Originally developed for use in hospitals, the Capillary Force Vaporizer (CFV) technology used in MyPurMist converts water to vapor without the presence of boiling water to provide safe, instant, and 99.9999% germ-free steam. &gt;&gt;</p> <p>I have no personal experience with it (and no idea if it will help with your LO's medical needs), but the reviews on Amazon are pretty positive. Good luck!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1601246 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 08:21:20 +0000 Cherrybee 1601246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@babynumber1: My understanding is that it is dangerous to use one of these with a young child due to the risk of scalding? Do you have one? What do you think? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1601240 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 08:19:22 +0000 Cherrybee 1601240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: The doctor says she had a wheeze in her chest when he listened through the stethoscope. Night cough + wheeze + family history (I'm asthmatic, so was my dad and his dad actually died from asthma) + eczema = asthma diagnosis. I think its the family history that swayed him the most. Funnily enough, I remember my dad kicking off at the doctor (about me) when I was very small, shouting "If I hear you say the word asthma again I'm going to swing for you. This child has a chest infection".</p> <p>Oh and, yeah, you're probably right about not accepting it. We came to a bit of in impasse following the initial steam prescription - the doctor is implying that it's my fault she isn't better, because we're unwilling to persevere with the 5 times per day steam treatment. I might just lie and say we did it and she still isn't better - we demand further assessment and treatment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1601207 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 08:11:12 +0000 babynumber1 1601207@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: </p> <p>Here ya go!<br /> <a href="http://www.soap.com/p/vicks-personal-steam-inhaler-306817?site=CA&#038;utm_source=Google&#038;utm_medium=cpc_S&#038;utm_term=PG-4384&#038;utm_campaign=gpla&#038;CAWELAID=1323220194" rel="nofollow">http://www.soap.com/p/vicks-personal-steam-inhaler-306817?site=CA&#038;utm_source=Google&#038;utm_medium=cpc_S&#038;utm_term=PG-4384&#038;utm_campaign=gpla&#038;CAWELAID=1323220194</a></p> <p>Why in the world would the doctor not just recommend a steam mask? Its completely unreasonable to expect a steamy bathroom 5x a day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1601205 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 08:11:07 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1601205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: That sounds terrible.... but at the same time, at that point I don't know that I would accept the treatment of "just steam". </p> <p>Also, how did they arrive at the asthma diagnosis? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1601203 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 08:10:30 +0000 blackbird 1601203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would see another dr for a second opinion </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1601194 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 08:09:01 +0000 Corduroy 1601194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have any advice but you have my sympathy. We did breathing treatments every 4 hours for LO's pneumonia a few weeks ago. We had a nebulizer, steroid inhaler and oral steroid. It's not easy to torture LO on such a regular basis. I'm pretty sure they over medicated my LO but it's so hard to figure this stuff out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohp-how-would-you-handle-this-treatment#post-1601180 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 08:05:44 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1601180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: do you know how her asthma is triggered?</p> <p>I have personal experience, but my advice doesn't trump that of a doctor. I've had asthma since I was a kid. It was mostly brought on by too much exercise or when getting sick (a cold still makes my asthma kick on right away!). </p> <p>As I grew older, it seemingly disappeared unless I was sick. Then I got pregnant and bam! it's brought on now by allergies and humidity. I don't wear perfume because it makes me wheezy, and I try to avoid being in smoke-filled rooms.</p> <p>As an adult, steam works. So does very cold air. Allergens settle at night and mine in particular start getting bad around 8pm, which can make sleeping difficult. </p> <p>Make sure to wash her sheets and blankets in hot water (cold water won't kill things like dust mites) and maybe run a humidifier (it helps me a ton!). I also shower at night if I start feeling sneezy or wheezy. The steam helps, but getting clear also washes all the allergens off me. </p> <p>I hope your babe finds relief so very soon! </p>