Advice on Asthma in South Bay

Dr. Dean Chiang is a wonderful allergist. They work with kids and adults with allergies and/or asthma. He and Dr. Alan Singer have an office near Torrance Memorial - 3440 Lomita Blvd. Suite 228, Torrance, CA 90505. The office number is (310) ###-###-####.

A lot of pediatricians feel it is ridiculous to have a child tested for allergies, but if they have asthma or severe allergic reactions, I personally think it's of the utmost importance to have it done.

Good Luck.

Asthma is your body's supressed immune system reacting to irritants/allergins in the air. It is vital to keep the sinuses clean and healthy. I would recommend a neti pot for anyone dealing with asthma, but with a 4 year old that might not be very practical. Fortunately there is an alternative, a salt pipe or salt inhaler. Here's a link to a site with a child's inhaler.
http://www.natural-salt-lamps.com/saltpipe.html
One of my earliest memories is sitting on the edge of the tub with the hot shower going breathing in the steam. Steam keeps things loose .
Children as young as four can do yoga which is great for asthma. Simple deep breathing helps. Backwards bends stimulate the immune system. Yoga will keep your child's spine supple which will also help. I started with chiropractic care nearly 20 years ago to treat my asthma and it has made an amazing difference. Expect to go 2-3x/week to start. You will be gradually cut back to once a week and then set on a maintenance program of usually once a month. Again, 4 is not too young. It will help keep the sinuses healthy.
Build up your child's immune system. Put her on superfood. You can find several varieties at any health food store of dehydrated greens. Add to juice. Bee propolis and/or royal jelly capsules can be given one a day for a month or two then as needed. Since this is a foodstuff you do not have to worry about any negative interactions with any meds you may be giving her nor do you have to worry about giving her too much. There are other options for building up the immune system if bee products are a problem.
Stay away from sugar. Limit juices to one/day. Whole fruits are great, but watch out for processed foods with corn syrup, high fructose corn sugar. Limit sweets. Nothing brings down your immune system faster than sugar. An apple a day actually helps with lung function.
Look for books on reflexology. It is simple and you can give her alot of relief in a fun way by giving her feet a little reflexology when you put her to bed. Midway down on the outside of the top joint of the thumb(right by the base of the nail) is a reflex point for the sinuses. Apply slight pressure for 10-15 seconds. The corresponding spot can also be found on the big toe.
You are smart to keep her off of these meds. They may help in the short term, but long term usage leads to other problems. I haven't used an inhaler in 15 years. It an be done.

I also recommend Dr. Song. You mentioned the remodel...were you living in the house during it? Maybe the dust from the remodel had something to do with it?? Just a thought-it could have been a reaction. Try the allergist. If you still want to see a pulminologist after that, it wouldn't hurt. Asthma attacks are scary - (FYI I had childhood asthma (allergy induced) and outgrew it)

N. - your recent remodel might have aggravated your daughter's condition, so maybe now that it is over she might do better (congrats on surviving the remodel, they are such a nightmare). Dr Buchsbaum (also of SB Allergy and Asthma, see other advice) was recommended by my friend whose son has allergies and asthma. Be sure the doc is in your HMO network, as testing and treatment can be very expensive out of network.

L.

I think that even though your ped may be wonderful and knowledgeable, nothing beats a second opinion with a specialist, specially when your daughter is so young and vulnerable to many medications. If her doctor gets her feelings hurt, then shame on her for imposing her insecurities on you. You are your daughter's only advocate and it is your duty to seek out the best treatment for your daughter. I'm sorry I don't have a dr. to recommend. I hope you find the answers you're looking for...

Dear N.,

I am wondering if the remodel could be contributing to your daughter's attack. I have had good luck in my house with keeping alergies under control by changing the cleaning products in my home to "green" products. I have had good luck with the Shaklee's - Get Clean line.

Best to You!
S.

There is a wonderful allergist in Manhattan Beach that I have taken both my 2 year old to and I go to him as well. His contact info is: Charles Song, M.D., Song Institute of Allergy and Asthma, 3113 Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. A, Manhattan Beach, CA 9026, ###-###-####, www.songallergy.com. Hope that helps!

Hi N.,
I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's asthma. It's heart breaking. If you feel you need to see a pulminist then you tell your doctor you want a referral and don't let your ped. talk you out of it. The tendency with most people is to just give our kids the medication the doctor prescribes and for the most part it's okay; however, I too have problems with all the medication they prescribe. My daughter is 3 and we saw an allergist just recently. It's the South Bay Allergy and Asthma Associates, Dr. Joyce Schoettler. They are located on Earl Street in Torrance. We too have an HMO and this is where we were referred. They are very kid friendly.

Because your daugther's asthma is allergy induced, I highly recommend getting an air purifier in your home. You may already have one, but it is extremely important to understand exactly what kind of filter you have. We have an air purifier that generates negative ions without the ozone!!! THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE OF!! Ozone can be very hazardous. My allergies have been gone since using it. If you would like more information on how this can help your daughter, please let me know.

All the best to you and your daughter,
E.