???Nebulisers??

My 13 year old daughter has had asthma for only about 3 years, but it has gradually worsened since then and lately has become quite severe. She has has 2 hospitalizations and 3 ER visits (w/o being admitted). She is on two Inahlers (blue and orange, and they don't help much), but her asthma just doesn't seem very well controlled and she has pretty bad attacks about 3 times a week. She has missed a whole bunch of school ( 3 weeks so far I think?) and both of us are desperate for better contol. Recently a friend of mine who's son has asthma said that he was just like her (regarding the asthma), and the only thing that gave him better relief of his asthma was his Nebuliser. I am wondering about this and if she should get one? I asked my family doctor but he just said "no no her asthma is very very mild". But I definately don't call 2 hospitalizations very very mild! We are in search of a doctor who is of more help to us right now, but in the mean time, I was just wondering if a nebuliser is right for her. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your advice. I am happy to know that there are so many options out there, and will make an appt with a specialist asap. thanx again

Hello 101kat101: Sorry to hear about your problems. Finding a specialist is indeed your priority. There are so many new med advances today, that unless your MD is an asthma/allergy specialist, he/she may not be aware of them. Also, since your daughter is 13, she should be mature enough to have a pulmonary function test to determine if she is a true asthmatic or having allergies which can mimic asthma. She also needs an allergy test to determine her triggers. These are the first steps to controlling her problem. The next most important thing is asthma education. By becoming educated on the disease, you have a lot of power ... you can discuss problems in more detail w/MD & can better describe what is going on. You will learn how to start & stick to an asthma mgt problem; you will also learn how to recognize early symptoms & will be able to stop an exacerbation before it's begun. Be sure to ask for an allergy test. You can't fight what you don't know. The American Lung Association has excellent tapes & brochures on asthma ... one tape even teaches a very young child how to tell an adult he/she is having problems breathing. Many times a young one will just say "I don't feel good." That simple phrase has resulted in deaths of children, especially in a school or preschool setting where the caregivers are not trained in asthma mgt. The American Lung Association can give you a list of specialists in your area. Good luck!