It took over a month to get in with the Pulmonologist at Riley and of course it was on a Monday morning, the second to last day of Audrey's school. Aunt Susan watched Vivi for us so the specialist had all of our attention.
After waiting for only a short time, the doctor spent an hour with us going over her history in detail. We brought a list of her medications, copies of her x-rays, ER and pediatrician visit documentation. After reviewing family history as well and all of Audrey's symptoms he diagnosed her with Asthma. There are not lung tests that can me done for kids her age...that is more around the age of 7. However, after reviewing her x-rays he felt that she didn't have pneumonia at all....he thinks it was asthma attacks. (I am not sure a fever of over 104 comes with asthma attacks but agree that there is some underlying cause for her constant flare-ups.)
Our plan of attack to hopefully suppress further "attacks" is to continue steroid treatments in the nebulizer once a day indefinitely. When attacks seem to be coming on, we add albuterol to the routine every 4 hours. Albuterol is not fun to give a child as it literally makes them CRAZY!!! We go back in 4 months for a follow-up to evaluate the next steps.
So far, the treatment plan seems to be working....it is also summer break away from school and not allergy season. Only time will tell...until our next visit.
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