Medical question, maybe OT

[Laurie]

My son (who is T1) seems to be having trouble breathing. His BS numbers have been good and there are absolutely NO symptoms of DKA (I just had him check for ketones, to be sure. There are none). So I'm thinking this is something else.

I noticed it today for the first time, but he says it has been like this on and off for about a week. I asked him if his chest hurt. He says no. The way he describes it, it sounds like his throat is constricted. He says he is having problems getting the air through his throat.

The other symptom is belching. He seems to be belching excessively, more than usual. He is sitting here, next to me, burping and burping. Some are big deep burps.

When he was younger, he would breathe like this, too. He'd be watching tv and breathing with a sigh the whole time.

It doesn't sound like asthma does it? Asthma is more a constriction in the chest. He does't seem to think that his chest feels tight at all. I'm not very familiar with Asthma, though, so I could be wrong.

Any ideas?

[Charmed7]

Look into food allergies...this could be a mild reaction. I would also rule asthma out with a doctor. Your son could be mixing up his symptoms. Say it's his throat, but it is his lungs. The burping could be from gulping air through the constricted feeling.

If you never looked into food allergies before, let me know and I can help you out.

Charmed

[Deannas mom]

I agree..it sounds like a food allergey...My daughter has Asthma, actually had her first flare up in 3 years this past week. it does not sound like asthma to me, but then everyone is different

[MrsBadshoe]

I also vote food allergies which can get worse with every exposure to the item you are allergic too. So, definately get him to a dr who can make a positive dx.

[Laurie]

Oh thanks!!

I'll definitely look into allergies! Should I give him some benedryl right now and see if that improves his breathing?

[Charmed7]

Benadryl might help. Sorry I didn't check your question earlier. But I quickly make a food diary of the day while it's fresh on your mind.

Charmed

[Deannas mom]

Oh thanks!!

I'll definitely look into allergies! Should I give him some benedryl right now and see if that improves his breathing?

How is dylan? I have been thinking about him all day..Hope he is better, have you seen the Dr?

[Hollyb]

My middle son has asthma, and I have seen him breathe like that when he's having a mildish episode -- big sighing breaths, like he's just not quite getting enough air with a normal breath (which is exactly the case). It's because of constricted airways, and he didn't really identify it as being in his chest -- more croupy/throaty.

Swelling from allergies is certainly a possibility too. Sounds like something to get checked out.

[sarahconnormom]

Connor suffers from environmental allergies, mild asthma, and reflux. Your son's symptoms sound a lot like reflux symptoms also. Reflux will make you feel like there is something in your throat and can cause excessive burping. Connor has always suffered from respiratory/breathing issues related to his reflux. Your son's symptoms could also be explained by allergies or mild asthma so I would definitely let your doctor know what is going on.

[Skyefire]

My middle son has asthma, and I have seen him breathe like that when he's having a mildish episode -- big sighing breaths, like he's just not quite getting enough air with a normal breath (which is exactly the case). It's because of constricted airways, and he didn't really identify it as being in his chest -- more croupy/throaty.

Swelling from allergies is certainly a possibility too. Sounds like something to get checked out.

I have asthma myself and I dont usually ever find my chest feels constricted , that sounds just like what I get when my acts up, sometimes I dont notice it myself while realxing and watching tv, but Rob will tell me to get my puffers because I am gasping again. I would have it checked, it gets painful after awhile of not being treated.

[Maggie's Mom]

My oldest daughter was just diagnosed a year ago with Asthma. She was first diagnosed with "activity induced asthma" which was later changed to full blown asthma. Does this heavy breathing seem to be worse after physical activity? One of my daughter's main symptoms was her deep breaths would wake her up at night - almost a gulping for breath. But the symptoms you describe could very easily be allergies too. Either way testing is simple. Hope you find an answer soon!


Maggie's Mom
mom of Madeline 14
Molly - 10
and Maggie - 5 (dxd 10/4/06) Humalog and Humulin

[mom to a sports nut]

Did the Benadryl help??