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Posted 2/12/2008 10:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys,

My son had his first Asthma attack at 10 months old, but it took until he was 5 yrs old for him to be formally diagnosed with Asthma. My son is now 19 years old and has been on Becotide (Beclomethasone) since he was 5yrs. Of course he has always had the Ventolin for an abortive, and in recent months has had to have a protector too!

Since Christmas his Asthma has been bad again just in the evenings and first thing in the morning, and he can only sleep properly propped up!!! He saw our GP yesterday who has now prescribed Singulair to be taken in the evenings, and has told my son that there are 5 steps to treating Asthma and this is step 4!

Now in true teenage style he had not been taking his Becotide as regularly for some months as he should, but for the last 4 weeks has taken it correctly! Could this be the reason his Asthma has become so much worse? Could he go back to just the prevent and abortive inhalers or once he has gone the step up is there no return?

I am just concerned that at such a young age the treatment is becoming so aggressive! I would be grateful for any comments or pointers you can give me.

take care

Ann
Posted 2/12/2008 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ann :) I really can't comment on your above questions. I just wanted to say that sometimes the A/A board is a bit slow so be patient for your answer. Don't you just wish you could instill some of your wisdom onto your kids? Making them realize that it's best to take their meds regardless of how well they feel??? I am having the same troubles with my 16 year old and it's a constant battle to get him to take his asthma meds.
Posted 2/12/2008 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Red, yes I know some forums can be quite slow in responding, so thank you for yours! For some teens sadly the only way to learn is the hard way, but Asthma needs to be taken seriously. Maybe our teens can learn from each other Red? lol

take care

Ann
Posted 2/13/2008 6:13 AM (GMT 0)

Annuk,

I know it must be frustrating dealing with a child who won't take his medication responsibly for such a serious disease.  I know you have to worry about him a lot.  It's also hard for me to answer your questions even though I am an asthma patient.  I am not familiar with all the medications you mentioned.  He needs to take his controller medications every day, not just when he starts to have trouble breathing.  He needs to keep his rescue medications with him at all times, such as an inhaler.  Does he use a nebulizer or carry an epi pen?

I think I would march him back to the doctor's office and explain what's going on and let his physican then explain to him what could possibly happen to him.  Kids just don't think it could happen to them.  Maybe he doesn't really understand the seriousness of it.  Believe me, I do.  I don't know if I have helped or not.

Take care!

Carla

Posted 2/14/2008 9:25 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Carla for that, the Becotide is a preventative treatment - steroid based, and the 'Protector' is Salmeterol! He does carry his Ventolin (reliever) with him most of the time, I think all the time now cos he is suffering.

Since he started the new drug Singulair in the last 2 days I have got to say he does seem better! We have not got a nebulizer at home and I have often wondered about getting one, I will look into that! His allergies do no warrant an Epi Pen as he is not Anaphalactic!

I have told the Doc in front of him many times that he does not take his meds properly and the Doc puts him straight, and afterwards he makes a supreme effort for a short while, but I think it is the nature of teens as you say they don't think it is gonna happen to them!!! I shall be showing him the posts here however!!!

Thanks again, take care

Ann
Posted 2/15/2008 3:25 AM (GMT 0)

Annuk,

Has he had to have nebulizer treatments at the doctor's office or at the ER?  In the U.S. they make small, portable ones that run around $100.  You can even use it in your car.  I have to carry an epi pen because of the severity of my asthma and I don't leave home without my nebulizer.  I am always prepared.  I still have a lot of living I want to do.  :-)

Maybe bringing up some statistics of how many people die each year, maybe even how many children, do you think that would make a difference to him.  When I get some spare time, I will see what I can find.  Remind me next week.

Hugs!

Carla

Posted 2/15/2008 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Carla,

Yes, he has had to go to the ER (A&E - Accident and Emergency) and to the GP for a nebulizer, but thankfully it has been a while since that has been necessary, but at the rate he is going (stayed out again last night without his meds grrr) he is gonna end up as an emergency again!!!

Aww it is very sweet of you to to offer to find the statistics, I would be very grateful if you could, but please do not feel under pressure to do it.

Thanks again and take care

Ann
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