Yes, I don't think any doctor w/o doing certain tests can definitely say if someone has asthma or not. I was told that lung infections and other irritations can cause spasms that mimic asthma. I had a full blown asthma attack in February and my pulmonary doc has yet to dx me with asthma. I first did lung function tests which were normal and now I am scheduled for a methacholine challenge test - which is described on this board and elsewhere as the "gold standard" for asthma diagnosis. Is the doc that dx'd your son his ped? He should be seeing a pediatric pulmonary specialist. Check with the closest children's hospital in your area to locate one.

And why are all these children on albuterol?? I would really think that the norm would be to prescribe xopenex to kids. I was put on albuterol during my attack and it 1)did nothing for my breathing and 2)made me tachycardic. As soon as I was switched to xopenex my breathing improved and my heart stopped pounding.

I hope you are able to get the answers you are looking for soon. Good luck!

Hi, My daughter was also diagnosed around age of 18 months after repeated viral infections and resp ditress. her problems started about 9 months and she is now three. She was prescribed albuterol neb every 4 hours around the clock until she got better, also was on a short period steroid, pulmicort, and singular.

I have now learned that the xopenex is better for children from being on this forum. I never knew about it. We recently switched asthma doctors and I didn't even have to mention it-he just took her off the albuterol.

I have learned it is easier on the heart and the effect of it are way better and last longer.

Albuterol can make children hyper and there heart rates very fast. That is why when you take them to the ER for the lovely 1 hour treatments they have to be on a monitor. My daughter has had many ER trips.

Hope this helps

hugs
shelly