Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 12/28/2009

Question
Hello my Son Konnor is now 21 months old and just got Digoniced with Croup. Konnor was 2 months old when we first started having lung problems we have been on nebilizers and albuteral treatments and now croup. when I took my son to day care they made a comment that they did not know he has asthma no one has ever said that too me before. can these two be connected or is this just a cawincidence
hope you can help a concerned mom Barbie

Answer
Hi Barbie,

At Konnor's age diagnosis of asthma cannot be made just from the use of albuterol. For them to make the assertion without a doctors diagnosis is inappropriate.

Croup is a wheezy respiration with a hoarse cough, typically caused by a virus, that is common in infants and young children. Can you have asthma and develop croup? Yes, but you can have croup without asthma.

Typically, asthma in the very young is diagnosed based upon a number of factors, one of which is family history. If either or both parents have asthma, or at least allergic issues, e.g.: seasonal allergies, hay fever, etc., that points to an increased likelihood that the child may develop asthma, but even that is not certain. There are blood tests and specialized breathing tests that can also be done, but unless the doctor sees a clear pattern, or a difficult to control condition, the specialty tests are unlikely to be run at this young an age.

Another issue is the home environment. Tobacco use is very irritating to the lungs. Use of cleaning agents in the home without allowing proper ventilation can bring on symptoms. Damp dusting is advisable, since dry dusting just puts it back up in the air. Making sure there is no mold present in the home. This is especially an issue with older homes and apartment buildings.

My suggestion to you is to follow up with your pediatrician to see what they feel about your son. If he was a premie, this is frequently something that he will probably grow out of. THey can give you the best advice and guidance. Once you clearly understand how your physician feels, discuss this with the manager of the daycare facility so they will be in a better position to properly address any issue that may occur with him.

I hope this helps you. You are a good mom showing this concern to properly protect your child. Keep up the great work, and always listen your gut instinct.

Have a happy, healthy New Year!

Sincerely,

Marc