Moderate Asthma

[hj1981]

So DD1 has moderate asthme and just when i was ready to start letting her go a bit and have sleep over at nan and pop's, i am definatly not ready now

But my question is.......... How can we get her to use her puffer? she has an awesome groovey purple spacer, but she is petrified of using it
any tips or ideas?

any tips on how to deal with a child with asthma even? i am so scared and stressed about it!

[Chrispe]

We used to show DD by using on ourself first. Or her teddy would take a puff to show her it didn't hurt.

There were sometimes when DH and I had to hold her down while she was kicking and whatnot because she was having an asthma attack and didn't want to have her puffer but needed it.

DD has had a puffer since she was 2. At 4 she was ok with me giving her a puff whenever she needed it.

Also we use a silicone face mask on the spacer to make it easier.

I know it can be frightening to watch someone with asthma (my brother had severe asthma growing up, was constantly in hospital.)
Have you gotten a pack from the Asthma Association?
I know Asthma SA hold classes/lectures for parents and others. Maybe your local association does too?

[hj1981]

Thanks Chrispe

I had to hold her down last night and felt so so bad for doing so i was almost crying having to do it. Mighty try like you suggested on one of her toys, her fav cuddle toy Pinky

Can i ask how often does your DD need her puffer? does it have any side effects for her? does it work quickly?

Nope haven't gotten a pack from the Asthma Association, do i contact them?

[Amity]

Mine have been asthmatic (both of them) since before the age of 12 months (even though it can't officially be diagnosed until 12 months). My DS1 was fine with the spacer.

DS2 was horrible. He is usually hospitalised between 2-5 times a year with asthma attacks. The first few times they had to hold him down to get the medication into him. It was awful. He now understands that he HAS to have the medication, otherwise we call the ambulance. He is more afraid of the ambulance than the medication, which is how we manage to get medication into him.

We try and make it fun. He has had psychotherapy about the hospital experiences, and how to manage the medication. We make sure he counts in his head with us when we are putting the medication into him. So it's one, puff, two, three, four, five, puff, six, etc etc. He knows when the counting reaches 20 that the medication is nearly done.

All the best.

[Chrispe]

Mostly during winter, although this year has been better. Usually it's a couple of times a week in winter. Maybe a couple of times a month the rest of the time, unless she catches a cold. We have had times where it's been every night, several times a night.
I looked up the Asthma Association website and asked for the pack there. Also on the websites they have any info on education days.

After a couple of times of holding DD. down I had a talk with her and showed her how much easier it would be if she just sat their and breathed. DD has had Asthma since she was a baby, it was called broncialitis at first and she had it all of her first year onward.