I think I have a "nearly" happy wheezer. Just had a quick google, and it's my understanding is that this describes bubs who might have a tendency towards bronchiolitis.... and those who get bronchiolitis are slightly higher risk of having asthma later on.
I've got a big bubba boy who tended to be very wheezy/snuffly/snorty particularly around2-4 months. I was convinced he was wheezing at various stages (sure sounded like a wheeze to me) but my paed wasn't worried at all, and explained that it was all upper respiratory noise and we didn't need to worry (he also checking his nasal tubes). Basically it's just small tubes and fluids shuffling around, but not respiratory distress per se. It seemed to happen particularly when he became more excited.
So I don't know if your bub is just noise or some bronchiolitis? I'd be asking the doc what to watch out for and anything I needed to do. Hopefully that would set your mind at rest - googling can be just plain scary!
But, I can relate, cos my DH also has asthma so I was equally worried re DS getting it! But, my DS seems to be growing out of his wheezing & snuffles - and I think I've come to terms with the fact if he's gonna get it, he'll get it. (In the same way he did get eczema which I had truly hoped he wouldn't). Oh and he snores (bubba that is) loud enough to be heard on a plane!
Also, my niece had bronchiolitis at about 8 weeks and a bad chest infection, and she's now 10 y.o., fit as a mallee bull and no sign of asthma at all! So goes to show that asthma doesn't always follow.
DS was described recently as a happy wheezer because he was doing the classic wheeze, but was happily carrying on playing etc. He wasn't distressed or clingy or anything with it. He is 3 though, so a bit different to a young bub I would think.
We were at the hospital with him, coz he did get very lethargic & his breathing was really laboured, and they treated it as an asthmatic attack, but because he had a fever as well, the GP was reluctant to say it was asthma, rather just that he's prone to wheezing if he has a chest infection or something, so she reckons he had bronchiolitis. But it was at the GP's the next day that she described him as a happy wheezer. We haven't had anything since, so I'm hoping he doesn't show signs of asthma as he gets older.. my BIL had childhood asthma.
Definitely have a chat with your doc about what to look for. I knew nothing about what wheezing looks like (I've heard it before tho) so just knowing physical things to look for helped me feel more easy.
Just when I had an inkling that I may be going crazy (especially as the MCHN nurse looked at me like I made up the diagnosis!!!) Belfie comes to the rescue!
Well if anything it makes me feel a bit better that someone else knows what I'm on about! It sounds like we're both concerned about our kids getting eczema and asthma..i guess if i knew how to manage it all it wouldn't be so scary..my ds only sounds like he's got mucus in his chest when he's more relaxed..either sleeping or staring into space but he'll be in a position where he's draped over my arm, his neck to chest kind of thing...and it's not happening all the time, kind of hit or miss..but other's have said something and they have felt the "wheeze" in his chest and back....
but anyway, off to the doctor this afternoon to get a referral for a paed. ..anyone got any good recommendations in the se suburbs of melbourne?
That sounds like what I was told as well, so good to get confirmation of definition. my ds doesn't have any other symptoms of being ill at all, no cough/fever/crankiness or what you would expect if he had something like bronchiolitis, which is prolly why they said he sounded like a happy wheezer.
I hope it's just as simple as it sounds and doesn't lead to other things..i guess that may be why i'm worrying! it just sounds too simple! especially when "Wheezing" is involved!
good point tho, will ask about physical symptoms to look out for....
My DS was called a 'happy wheezer' - lol i thought that my MCHN made up the name- never heard of anyone elses baby being a happy wheezer until now
he made a wheeze sound all the time but it did not bother him
He is now 6 years old
DS was born 10 weeks early and had RDS- and HMD- he also has chronic lung disease from being prem- and that is why he was a wheezer. At age 3 years he was dx with asthma as well- and is now on a preventer puffer that stops the wheeze and keeps the asthma under control.
He use to get pnumonia heaps when he was younger- however this stopped after we had the pnumonococial vaccination- it made a HUGE difference!
His O2 levels at the best of times are not great- but nothing stops him- he just takes his puffer when he needs it- but the preventer means that this is not often. Just got to watch him with the cold air!
hope this helps and if you want to know anything else - just let me know
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