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Asthma/Asthmatic daughter quits breathing for no apparent reason

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Expert: - 7/18/2008


Question
I'm at wits end.  My daughter is suffering from episodes of not being able to exhale.  All of a sudden, sometimes triggered by laughing a lot and other times with no apparent triggers, she stops breathing for about a minute.  Then, she hyperventilates for one or two breaths, then the cycle continues.  This can go on for around a half hour and started a few years ago.  During this time, she is in quite a bit of distress due to the fact that she is fighting to breath.  My daughter is asthmatic, has allergies, is ADHD and suffers from mild anxiety (poor baby!)--all of which she is properly medicated.  She takes Asthmanex, Singular, Zyrtec, Adderal, Prozac and MaxAir as a rescue inhaler.  We have had her seen by the local asthma clinic and talked with her psychiatrist and neither of them has an answer.  Can you help me help my daughter?

Answer
Hi Debora,

First, laughing and crying can trigger asthma attacks, and emotionality can increase risk. When she has an episode, she needs to find a calmness within her and concentrate on breathing slowly with pursed lips. To help find that inner calm, if you can afford it, sign her up to try a yoga class. They teach relaxation techniques and focus. It could be great for her.

That said, has the clinic checked to see if she has vocal cord dysfunction? It presents like asthma, but does not respond to asthma treatments, and is directly related to anxiety, especially in teen-age girls.

Let me know.

Good luck!

Marc

Asthma

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Volunteer

Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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