Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 4/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Sir,

My 5-year-old nephew whose name is Luka a week ago visited doctor allergologist. At night during sleeping permanently he twice or three times was coughing. Doctor tested him and IGE allergy test was higher (1030). Doctor said that it is asthma. But if we take into consideration that his lungs are clean and other usual symptoms such as: wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest does not bother him, we are interested whether this is really asthma or maybe there is some mistake. In addition, child is very energetic and behaves as a usual healthy child. Please, let me know what’s happening.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely yours,
Maia


ANSWER: Hi Maia,

The most common symptom of asthma in children is night time coughing.By the allergist checking his IgE levels confirms the allergic nature of the problem. Another test that may possibly be run is spirometry. The issue is that at his age, he may not be able to do the test properly to get an accurate result.

You may also look to see if he has any skin conditions like eczema, or dry, patchy areas. This is something that is frequently, but not always seen in asthma patients.

To learn more about asthma, follow this link, and click on both "Childhood Asthma" and "Prevention of allergies and asthma""
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/gallery/

You will also find a lot of information at: http://www.aanma.org/ where you will learn about allergies and asthma, and follow the link they give you to "Breatherville".

You child can live a full and "near" normal life with asthma. We say "near-normal" since they need to acquire an awareness of the disorder so they can be in control, instead of having the illness control their life. Just so you know, ~ 15% of Olympic athletes have asthma...it didn't stop them!

Good luck. It sounds like you are in good hands with your doctor.

Take care!

Marc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Mark,

I have one more question please. is asthmatic's lungs clean? I mean x-ray.  As for my nephew, his lung's on     x-ray looks very healty. may it be only allergy? and please take into consideration, that two month ago he had layer made by sheep's fur. maybe this was trigger.

Thank you in advance. I really appreciate your support. thanks.

Answer
Hi Maia,

Now I understand what you meant by "clean". X-rays are of no value in the diagnosis of asthma, as compared to when there is pneumonia. You are correct in that it is allergic response. Animal dander, which would be in the fur (the dander is from the shedding of skin cells in the animal coat). This may have been the most current trigger. You also have to look at pollens..right now tree pollens are going way up. But also with increased moisture, if the home has a mold problem, or viral infections going through the community, many things could have brought this on.

It's great that you are pursuing information about this. The more you learn about his particular triggers, the better he can prepare for the future.

Take care.\\Marc