My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Asthma Community

DUKE MEDICINE

Reply: HELP!! My son's Football coach doesn't believe my ...

Dear FrustratedforWill: I'm so sorry to hear you're in this situation. There...

Posted by Brian P Vickery, MD

15 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:HELP!! My son's Football coach doesn't believe my son has Asthma Dear FrustratedforWill: I'm so sorry to hear you're in this situation. There...

DUKE MEDICINE

Reply: I use a nebulizer several times a day and I'm abou...

Dear evenstar7139: A nebulizer is not your only option. If you have insurance...

Posted by Brian P Vickery, MD

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:I use a nebulizer several times a day and I'm about to be homeless. What can I do? Dear evenstar7139: A nebulizer is not your only option. If you have insurance...

DUKE MEDICINE

Reply: Is a 7 month old too young to have Asthma?

Dear Jeff: Your son is not too young to have asthma. However, this is a...

Posted by Brian P Vickery, MD

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Is a 7 month old too young to have Asthma? Dear Jeff: Your son is not too young to have asthma. However, this is a...

DUKE MEDICINE

Reply: my first post

Dear tannerbananer : Welcome to the board. 1. Make sure the Qvar is being...

Posted by Brian P Vickery, MD

Dear tannerbananer:

Welcome to the board.

1. Make sure the Qvar is being used correctly, and with an appropriately sized spacer and mask. In some cases, simply switching the delivery device from a nebulizer to an inhaler with spacer and mask, can make all the difference in the world. In my experience toddlers generally hate -- and fight -- nebulizers and between the crying and squirming, probably half of the dose or more does not get to the lungs. Plus the particle sizes that come out of a nebulizer machine, even in a still child, may affect the deposition of the drug in the lung. Inhalers often can do better. Also be aware that Qvar comes in two strengths, 40 and 80, and should be used 2 puffs twice a day.

2. Studies clearly show that inhaled steroids are more effective for asthma head to head than Singulair and drugs like it. So you have chosen the best approach at this point. There is sometimes a role for Singulair as an add-on therapy in cases like this, but if you're worried about side effects especially, Qvar is the way to go (and see #1 to be sure you're using it properly).

3. An infant with significant eczema has roughly a 50% chance of developing recurrent wheezing or asthma, and a 75% chance of developing environmental allergies. It may be worth an allergy consultation to see if there is a trigger which may be exacerbating his cough (dust mites come to mind). Be sure to keep him away from nonspecific irritants too like cigarette smoke and perfumes.

4. Was your son treated with oxygen in the neonatal period after birth? There are forms of lung disease related to prematurity that often look like, or overlap with, asthma; and they can be related to oxygen exposure in the newborn period. As you know, asthma is a difficult diagnosis to make in children this age. Likewise, other things can provoke a recurrent cough (reflux, etc.). It is important to be sure that you're treating the right disease -- especially if conventional treatments aren't doing the trick.

Hope this helps-
BrianView Thread

Posted byBrian P Vickery, MD

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:my first post Dear tannerbananer : Welcome to the board. 1. Make sure the Qvar is being...

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

For more information, visit the Duke Health Asthma and Allergies Center

Other Asthma Information

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.