Suggest treatment for allergies and asthma
Patient: My 8 month old has been mildly conjested for approximately 3 weeks now. It began at the same time as pollen season and when she abuptly was stated on formula from breast milk.  There was no fever or breathing issues associated with this and eats ans poos normally. I do hear some wheezing occasionally; howver, one cough and it is clear. She does see her Dr regularly but is not scheduled to be back for another 4 weeks, My thoughts are more allergies than asthma. While I would never deny medical treatmeny my concern is they would treat the allergies with steroids which does concern me. Advice? Doctor: Hello.Thank you for asking at HCM.I went through your daughter's history and understand your concern.I would like to ask a few question to her like - Does she have nose or eye symptoms of allergies? Does she have someone with allergies in family? What type of formula is she receiving? etc.However, from your history, I would like to make following suggestions to her:1. Were I treating her, I would give her montelukast for 1-2 weeks edpending upon response.2. If she has any nose or eye symptoms, I would add an antihistamine drug like hydroxyzine.3. If in spite of above treatment she has wheezing, I would suggest her nebulization with salbutamol after get her examined by a pediatrician. 4. From your history, personally I would like to suggest her to check for food allergies like milk, soy, peanut (depending upon contents of her formula). If allergy testing is positive, that particular food should be avoided.5. I can understand your concern for use of steroids but they are usually not used unless her wheezing is severe or she has repeated episodes of wheezing.6. Please try to avoid exposure to dusts and smokes as much as possible.Hope above suggestions will be helpful to your daughter.Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.Thank you & Regards.