Sports induced asthma and allergies

As a kiddo, I had exercise induced asthma and allergies that kicked up my asthma. I had an inhaler in my possession at all times once I hit junior high. It stayed in my backpack unless I absolutely needed to use it. My school had a policy about the inhalers being in the control of the PE teachers and locked in their office. Nope, there is not time to go to the PE office to get an inhaler if I'm having breathing problems out on the field. It was my responsibility to take my inhaler before any physical activity.

As an adult, I have inhalers in my backpack (I'm a teacher), my purse, my bedside. It's not bad, in fact, it's pretty much gone most of the time, but I never want to have to worry about not being able to breathe.

My students frequently have inhalers in their possession. If they have to use it, they take it with them to the office and take it there. I sure it's against policy but really, if a kid needs their inhaler, they need it NOW not in 5 minutes!

I've had asthma most of my life. When I almost croaked it was because my lungs were full of CO2, which it sounds like your son's were. When the lung is full of CO2, there is no place to put the oxygen, thus the reason the nebulizer treatment didn't help much.

Was your son only prescribed a rescue inhaler? If so, you might want to see the doc again and be prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler, or a leukotriene inhibibitor. If your son has allergies, the leukotriene inhibitor will help with those also. I used to have lots of allergy symptoms but now I have none.

And, not scolding you here, but please, don't forget your son's inhaler. It could be a matter of life or death. A serious attack can come on quickly.

Don't hesitate to ask for a referral to a specialist. My son's asthma is mild - but we found it was impacting his swimming. We went to a respiratory specialist at Children's and were very impressed. The pediatrician was fine - but tended toward typical methods to prevent a life threatening attack - which is obviously critical - but treatments and options to deal with slight restrictions which were not life threatening but were impacting sports performance were not a focus.

Always having his inhaler with him is imperative.

Also, not sure if you are just seeing your normal GP here or what - but if so, I would encourage you to find an asthma/allergy specialist who can help you better pinpoint the issues and medications that will help your son the most.