Karen's Place: Ryan's Asthma, Reflux and Allergy Information Page

Mom's Survival Tips

When you are dealing with a child who is chronically ill it can be trying, not only on you, but on the people around you. That is not something that you should feel bad about, after all, you are only human. BUT it is something that you should try to improve. Here are some tips which have helped myself and my family cope. Nothing here is "Medical Advice". These more or less just helpfull hints from one parent to another as to what has worked for us based on trial and error and other information which I have gathered.

"What can I do to help the Reflux?"

1.) Add cereal to bottles @ 1 tablespoon for every 2 ounces.
2.) Elevate the head of the child's crib to a 30-45 degree angle.
3.) Keep the child elevated at this angle as much as possible during waking hours and especially during the first 30 minutes after a feeding.
4.)Listen to your gut! If you feel that your pediatrician is not properly addressing the issue, get a second opinion. You know your baby better than anyone else!
5.) Decide, with the help of a pediatrician or a pediatric g.i., what options are available by way of medicine. Often times over the counter stuff just doesn't work. Something stonger maybe in order and will often make a huge difference!
6.)Arching of the back, Turning away from feedings, refusal to eat and frequent bouts of crying are signs that there is more damage being done then you see. These are the key symptoms of Esophagitis (when acid burns the esophagus). If your child is exhibiting this behavior, consult your child's doctor and discuss the possibility of an endoscopy to see if this is the case.

"What can I do to COPE with the Reflux?"

1.) ALWAYS bring a change of clothes for you and your child wherever you go.
2.) Use old towels or receiving blankets as "burp" clothes. Because we all know, reflux babies do ALOT more than burp! LOL.
3.) Join a support group either in your area or on the internet. You would be amazed what talking about this stuff with people who have "been there" will do for you.
4.) Remember that 90% of babies born with reflux will outgrow it by 12 months of age, and 98% outgrow it before 18 months. Try not to think about what comes after that - deal with that when and if you get there.
5.) Remember that you are stronger than you think you are. Even when your child is sleepless and screaming all night - there is light at the end of that tunnell.

"What can I do to help my baby/child with Asthma?"

1.)Do NOT smoke around your child or allow anyone else to smoke around them or in the house.
2.)Your child does NOT have to be wheezing to have asthma. Asthmatics often cough or "chain cough" as I call it when they are about to or are having an asthma attack. Wheezing is "optional".
3.) If your child has a cough for more than three weeks or has chronic "respiratory" infections, it is possible that asthma is the cause. Consult your doctor about this.
4.) There is a DEFINATE link between asthma/reflux/and allergies. When asthma is bad it will make the reflux worse and vice versa. If your child has asthma and reflux make sure that both are properly treated and in check. When one acts up, the other is sure to follow.

"What can I do to COPE with my child's asthma?"

1.)Learn the warning signs of when he or she is about to have an attack.
2.)Always have your child's meds and the number of his or her doctor readily available whenever you leave the house and whenever a sitter is in charge.
3.) Take a CPR course, just in case.
4.) Join a support group.
5.) Try administering medications while your child is distracted. We usually nebulize while we watch Barney or Teletubbies. Also, if your child is young enough, seat them in a highchair or infant seat so they can't squirm away. If they are older then invite them to lay in bed or on the couch with you to watch there favorite show or read there favorite book.

I hope that you are able to find something here that will help you and your family. Please feel free to email me at any time if you have questions =) Remember, you are not alone.

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for Parents of Asthmatic Children