Cold, running nose, laboured breathing, allergy related symptoms. Will inhalers provide relief?
Patient: My daughter is having cold for about 3 months..sometimes it subsides..and again running nose ,stuffy nose,fast breathing ,sounds while breathing,this happens now,,,we consult with docter...he gave inhaler(bude cort and levolin...)is it right way...for her to recover from cold if we continues to give for 2 months..her age is 2 years old and..docter is telling it is due to allergies..is she will recover from cold completely..u please tell me the suggestion...what we have to take care for her... Doctor: Dear Concerned., Thanks for writing to us., The condition that you are describing is called "Acute Exacerbation" of Chronic Allergic Bronchitis.This condition of acute exacerbation /acute severe attack is due to sudden exposure to allergens such as House Dust Mite(most of the cases), Pollen Grains,Dust,.The exposure releases a cascade of bio-chemical reactions in the body releasing bronchoconstrictor chemicals from mast cells(histamine and like). the 02 years old child's bronchi are naturally small and when it constricts with filled up secretions the air passage gets narrowed leading to laboured breathing.The resultant sounds are medically refd to as Rhonchi and Rales.The Condition as "Acute Severe Asthma"(Childhood onset). The best treatment is to find out the cause.Completely keep the house Dust Free.Nebulise with Broncho dilators and Steroids(Budecortil).Prophylactic Antibiotics. As the child crosses into boyhood , the airpassages size will increase and the child will definitely overcome the problem as the Bronchoconstriction will not have marked effect and there will be no precipitation. The inhalers are better than the Tablets./Syrups and Injections because they act locally and do not produce systemic side effects. Wishing a speedy recovery., Best Regards., Dr Lt Cdr ASN Bhushan, Ex-Navy.