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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath?

My grandson is 5 years old. He has had a problem with catching his breath for the past couple of years. My step daughter has taken him to Kaiser hospital a few times and they have no answers. He is in very good health except for the fact that he looks and appears to be starving for air once he is on the sofa sitting at rest. I don t notice it much when he is outside playing. The doctors have told my daughter that it is not asthma or some double talk that he is too young for asthma to kick in. He needs to take several breaths to actually start breathing. He takes very deep breaths with his mouth fully open.
Tue, 17 Jul 2018
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.



No this is not true. Asthma can be seen in young children also. Infact asthma is more common in children as compare to adults. And your description fits into asthma more. Breathing difficulty especially in outside environment (allergen exposure is more in outside).

So in my opinion, you should definitely consult allergy and asthma specialist. PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) should be tried to confirm the diagnosis. Trial of inhaled bronchodilators (Formoterol or Salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (Budesonide or Fluticasone) and montelukast (anti allergic) and Levocetrizine (antihistamine) should be given and see for improvement.



Hope I have solved your query.

I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your grandson. Thanks.
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What Causes Shortness Of Breath?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. No this is not true. Asthma can be seen in young children also. Infact asthma is more common in children as compare to adults. And your description fits into asthma more. Breathing difficulty especially in outside environment (allergen exposure is more in outside). So in my opinion, you should definitely consult allergy and asthma specialist. PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) should be tried to confirm the diagnosis. Trial of inhaled bronchodilators (Formoterol or Salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (Budesonide or Fluticasone) and montelukast (anti allergic) and Levocetrizine (antihistamine) should be given and see for improvement. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your grandson. Thanks.