DS was diagnosed with Asthma yesterday

[prestonsmomma]

We have a trip scheduled for December and February 2007 for his 5th birthday. We know that cold weather and wind appear to be triggers for him. Do you think that could be a problem for either of these trips??? This is all new to me so I am not sure.

 

[NikP]

I have lived with asthma and my children and husband also have it. From my experience I think the best time for you to go would be when you are going. (December and February) The weather will not be cold, but I don't know about the wind. My family has trouble with humidity (can be difficult for asthma sufferers). So we would not dream of going in the summer months.

Asthma can be scary, but with knowledge and a plan of action you can live a wonderful fulfilling life.

 

[Servants of Evan]

With myself and the DW being asthmatic, our DS had an 80% chance of being asthmatic as well. We were definately in the majority. I have environmental triggers (dust) plus quick cold/heat transitions can cause trouble. Believe me -- the type of cold I'm talking about would completely close the state of Florida, not something you'd get on a typical February day. My wife's asthma is triggered by allergens (pet dander and shellfish) and my son is additionally allergic to pet dander and is most affected when he's fighting a cold of some sort. Undoubtedly you will probably get a nebulizer and mask(s) for albuterol, pulmicort, etc as well as a "fast acting" albuterol inhaler with an aerochamber for emergency use. The inhaler and aerochamber are very easy to carry around, and will fit easily in an outer back-pack pocket. He's a bit too young to simply carry an inhaler by itself (without a chamber), otherwise it could easily be put in a pocket...

Feel free to PM me if you've got any other questions.

 

[adisneymama]

Michelle - Sorry to hear of Prestons asthma. I don't think you will really have a problem. The weather there is no where near as cold as it is here during those months. I have asthma and as you know am from the south originally. The summer months tend to be the "worst" for me but are more than managable. I would recommend seeing an asthma specialist for pediatrics. There is one at my peds office that I have seen because of Aubes allergies. She is also being monitored due to an increased risk for developing asthma. I think the best thing is to be fully educated and then teach him and yourselves how to live with asthma. While it is scary it is also something that should not stop you from doing the things you like to do. Sometimes you just have to "tweak" those plans a little! Good Luck!

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

I have lots of respiratory problems including asthma. You'll get a nebulizer (special machine with a compressor pump you plug in the wall). My medicine goes in a hand held deliverer that you can put in your mouth-the masks can make your nose tickle. Treatments take about 15 minutes. I just pop my neb on and do whatever-computer, tv, etc. Albuterol is the main med. But if your son gets really shaky, hyper, fast heartrate Xopenex is just as effective. I take Xopenex (levelalbuterol) because I'm intolerant to albuterol. The severity will depend on how often you take treatments (usually at least 2x a day). Pulmicort (another nebulized med) may also be used depending on the severity. Rescue inhalers have a mouthpiece and a small chamber that you squeeze. These should be with you at all times. They relax and open the airway in the start of an attack. Some people with severe asthma may carry Epipens and may be on other meds.

My other respiratory problems (weak muscles from Muscular Dystrophy, low vital capacity, partially collapsed lung, sleep apnea) cause me to have a trach and use a vent part time.

My main triggers are dust, chemical smells/paint, lumber, certain perfume, getting too hot, and getting mad or scared.

Disney is very accomodating. First Aid centers are a great place to take a treatment and cool off-if heat is a trigger there may be other accomodations...

I would also post this on the disABILITIES board as they always have great info for touring the World with a health problem.

Christamae

 

[belle&beast]

My DD4 and I have asthma and just returned last week. My daughter was diagnosed about a year ago and now she takes Advair daily to prevent attacks and uses a nebulizer as needed. We took the nebulizer with us on the trip- not to the parks, and we were sure to have her take her Advair as always. We had no problems at all and she never even needed the nebulizer. Good luck to you!

 

[prestonsmomma]

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful advice and well wishes. We are planning on taking our December trip a little easier (and enjoy the Christmas festivities) than our November trip last year anyway. I think he will be fine. The new diagnosis just put a twinge of fear in me for a bit. I'm a little better informed now (God bless the internet) so I think we will be fine. I have a touch of asthma but never needed an inhaler so this is all new to me.