4 year old son summer allergies

I am new to the site, but Iam thanking God that yall are here. I have already learned so much. I dread the summers. my 4 year old  son has had an on again, off again cough all summer. now it is worse, and nothing is making it go away. He is on   doctor perscribed xoponex(inhailer), singulair (allergy med) and orapred (steroid), but still has the cough. I finally decided to take him to the E. R. this weekend to see what they suggested because the cough was so persistent. After all the tests, they concluded that he needs claritan. Being a new mom, I am very leary about alot of medication. This really scares me because I know that medications can react with eachother, so  I am going to take him back to his regular doctor and ask her what to do next and maybe ask her to educate me on all of this, because I have had enough. I feel like the summers are hard on him because we go to the swimming  pool and if somone  is smoking the cough within a few hours starts up. If anyone is smoking anywhere, I take him away from the area immidiately. I will be happy when cigarette smoking is banned even more because my child suffers so much from it. Please anyone with any information on allergens to cigerette smoke please help me. he is also allergic to mosquitos, and suncreen. he loves to go simming. I feel sad for him because a summer outing is so bad for him.  Regular mosquito spray works good for him, thank God when he does get a bite and it welps up I was told to make a paste of baking soda and put it on the bite. That woks really well . I havent figured out the best sunscreen for him because we have been inside for most of this summer. It is just more trouble than its worth to get out there. The information yall had about the gerd/asthma has been really helpful because he was diagnosed with gerd when he was younger so I am going to have him tested again for that and suggest what yall have told me to the doctor.  thank yall for being here. So many people dont know about these allergies and they think  i am being over protective. They dont understand what it is like to have a child cough all night. You just want to break down and cry from worry and lack of sleep. he used to get croup and that was hard too. I would be up at night alot with him. I am just thankful to God to have found this wesite and people who understand what is going on. thank yall!    God Bless, Terry

Hi Terry,

I would definitely get him in to see an allergist.  I'm sure you know the Xopenex is an asthma medication.  I use it in my nebulizer. The Singulair is used for both allergies and asthma.  I am 56 years old and was diagnosed with severe asthma about six years ago.  I did have my esophagus and a hiatal hernia repaired because they thought the GERD was triggering some of my asthma attacks.  So, I can also relate to the GERD.  Have you ever noticed if he starts coughing not long after he eats a meal?  If so, this may be the GERD triggering the cough.  You probably don't even want to get me started on cigarette smoke.  You are doing the right think by keeping him as far away as possible the cigarette smoke, even outdoors.  People (smokers) just don't have a clue what it does to those of us with respiratory problems.  Perfume is a real trigger for me also, I don't know if they have thought of that.  My daughters and all my friends have learned not to wear it around me.

I am serving on a committee in the city where I live in KY to get a Clean Air Ordinance passed.  I hope we are successful.

If I can answer any other questions, please feel to email me.

Take care and good luck with that little boy!

Carla

That is so true, many children diagnosed with asthma do out grow it.  That was really nice of you to jump in here to help this lady out with her child.  I am glad to hear you are out growing your asthma.

Good luck to you!

Carla