Austin may have Asthma (22.75 months and 16.5 weeks)

Austin got Sydney's cold on Saturday.  He developed a cough again.  It was nice because his cough finally went away for a few weeks but now its back.  He had nasal congestion and wheezing.  And on Sunday night he had a fever of 101.8.  I really don't like fevers that high.  Austin was typical Austin wanting to play and not slow down much but you could tell he did not feel well.

Sunday night we gave him a breathing treatment at home.  One of our friends gave us their nebulizer machine so that was really nice.  I had been giving Austin Tylenol and Motrin to help with the fever.  Sunday night he was playing and he was noticeably short of breath.  We tried to get him to relax a little bit to help his breathing.  Finally after the breathing treatment and our bed time routine he was breathing a little better but still wheezing.  Brian took Austin to bed like he always does.

Austin woke up three times over night.  Austin usually sleeps all night from about 8:30 pm to around 7 am.  Austin woke up at 11 pm, 2 am and 5 am.  We knew he was sick.  For the most part he went right back to bed after we comforted him.

I took Austin to the doctor today at 9:30 am.  I had to bring Sydney as well but she slept the entire time so it was not a problem.  I knew the doctor was going to give him a breathing treatment so I bought the Kindle with him.  Austin loves his Kindle.  He watches videos (mostly Mickey Mouse shows), listens to books, and colors with an app on it.  Since we did not have Internet, the three little pigs book and coloring kept him entertained while receiving his breathing treatment.  Austin's oxygen level was 87% and 92% after his breathing treatments and the doctor was a little concerned about that.  The doctor reviewed Austin's records and came to the potential diagnosis of asthma.  Not exactly what I wanted to hear but there are definitely worse things.

Under this diagnosis, Austin would have to have an aerosol treatment twice a day and an inhaler as needed for worsening symptoms.  We will see how this goes for a while.  Brian is taking Austin back to the doctor tomorrow to get his oxygen level rechecked.  He will also talk to the doctor about asthma since I was caught a little off guard with the diagnosis and did not have any questions ready.

Update - Brian took Austin back the next day.  Brian asked a lot of questions but we did not get many answers.  The doctor still feels Austin needs to start the Pulmicort aerosols twice a day.  We are not as convinced.  His symptoms have only been present during colds and Sydney had it first this time too.  It turns out daycare had an outbreak of RSV too so it seems more like cold symptoms than something clearly asthma.  Brian brought Austin a pulse ox machine for at home so we can check his oxygen level and keep a better eye on when/if he is having problems.  Austin did not like it at first but now he can do it by himself.  His levels have been pretty good.  Brian and I decided to wait starting the Pulimcort.  I made an appointment with a pulmonary specialist and see what she has to say first before starting anything.  Our appointment is the first week of January.