Asthma: Rescue inhaler vs. Preventative Inhaler

[txgal]

Ds (6 yr.) has recently been diagnosed with exercise induced asthma and given a prescription for Xopenex(sp?) to use prior to physical activity.  My question, is there a reason to use it as a preventative vs. just as needed.  He doesn't have problems everytime he exercises, weather and allergens seem to compound the problem.  If the weather is nice and pollen counts are low he may go a month without any issues.  But then when it is cold or pollen counts are high, he may have difficulty 2-3 times a week. I don't like the idea of him using the medication more often than he really needs it, but wonder if there is a benefit to preventing the possible attack as opposed to stopping it once it starts.  Any insight is appreciated.  So far there have been no adverse reactions to the inhaler, we are just not big on taking unnecessary medications as they all have potential for side effects.  

[leilamom]

I would suggest that your DS takes it before physical activity as prescribed.  What happens in asthma, is that the more attacks you have, it toughens and thickens the small air sacks in the lungs.  When they get tough and thick, they can't expand properly to take in the air correctly.  If you can prevent those attacks, then you lessen the breathing problems that occur when that happens.  There is currently very little to nothing they can do once that damage occurs and the lungs don't fix themselves.  The side effects of that medicine are fairly low compared with the benefit it will give.  I would say this is a necessary medication to the overall health of your child.  Plus, he may not be able to notice the slight tightness that occurs with asthma that is bothersome, but not severe enough to stop activity, cause severe coughing, that kind of thing...which might happen everytime he plays actively and just may not be able to articulate that to you.

I have excercise, allergy, sickness, and weather induced asthma.  It has gotten worse as I have gotten older, and I am sure this is due to the fact that I didn't take my inhaler like I should have and my lungs are damaged.  I wish my mother had been much more insistent in me taking my medication routinely as needed, but compared with my brother, who had/has server asthma, mine didn't appear as bad.