Visit to the Pediatrician for Wheezing

About 3 or 4 days ago, The Moose starting wheezing. Just when he is excited, laughing, running around, and breathing heavily. Ryan & I couldn't decide if it was just a noise he was making or if he couldn't breathe.

No behavior, sleeping, or eating changes. No coughing. Just a wheezing and gasping for air. I already knew that common causes for respiratory and breathing problems are pasteurized (non-raw) cow dairy, toxins in the home (cleaning supplies, perfumes, etc.), and toxins in food. He's allergic to cow dairy and hasn't had any since he's been home. I make almost all of my cleaning supplies with natural ingredients (plan on cleaning this weekend and telling you all about it!). Ryan & I don't wear perfume or cologne. He eats super duper healthy. So I was a little shocked that he could have a respiratory problem. But there is always a possibility I am overlooking something (actually, it's not a possibility, it's a fact. There's always more I can do to be more natural). So off to the doctor we go.

And I was right. It's not a lung problem at all. His lungs are super healthy. It's in his throat. His oxygen level was 100%, which is obviously awesome because that means he is breathing. Apparently this is semi-common. His airway is shaped in a way that when he has an infection (from weather, viruses, whatever) and the airway gets inflamed, it can block the airflow. So until his airway gets large enough to not be affected by a little inflammation, this could continue to happen. The doc said he could be 8+ years old before it stops.

Which is not an acceptable answer to this momma. I very much, whole heatedly believe that a lot of the "normal" baby stuff that we as a society accept is bologna. Like diaper rashes. My son has never had a diaper rash because I don't put toxic chemicals on his most sensitive areas. I'm not going to continue listing things. Because I do not want to appear that I am attacking parents. We are all doing the best we can and know how. I am not perfect either. I do not judge your parenting decisions. Seriously, I don't. If you don't want to use cloth diapers, I am not going to send you private messages telling you that you are wrong and harming your child. I promise I am not judging you. Seriously, I promise.

So I'm not going to accept that he may be wheezing until he's 8 years old every time the weather changes. The doctor said when it flares up bad, they will recommend steroid shots. Which is also not acceptable for me. He didn't need steroids today. But I wouldn't have allowed it anyway. Not without doing some research and looking for a natural alternative first. I would give him steroids if I tried natural methods first.

I am looking into essential oils now. I think I might be able to find a solution there. I also really want to take him to my massage therapist for an adjustment. As soon as I have room in the budget, he's going!

I know it seems weird that I went to a western doctor with the mindset that I'm not going to take the medicine she prescribes. Which is not entirely true. I will take the medicine she prescribes after I research what she's giving my son. I am a firm believer of being beyond proactive with your doctor. Don't get a shot just because you are at the doctor and they say to. Not without knowing what you are getting and the side effects. (Maybe one day I'll rant about vaccines, today is not the day. And yes, we do vaccinate The Moose, but we do a delayed schedule. And I know what shots he's getting and what to expect afterwards every time he gets a shot).

I mainly went to the doctor today to see if there were any problems with his lungs. If I found a problem now that could lead to asthma, I could start giving him food and supplements to strengthen his lungs. Luckily, it's not a lung problem after all.

I am sharing this story to encourage you to be proactive with your doctor. To know what medicines you are taking. To know what the side effects are. To know what could happen if you give your child a shot.