This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Waiting time and treatment for asthma

Posted By dracopc93

"Waiting time and treatment for asthma"

About: Perth Children's Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a parent/guardian),

Last month, when we went to PCH my child was suffering from a severe asthma and a cough. As soon as we went in they did give us the ventolin puff and put us into an ED room, however once we were in we were monitored but took more than two hours for a doctor to see us!

Once the doctor had come into the room they observed my child and advised for us to be monitored for more hours but did not prescribe any medication. When my child's cough was getting worse I was terrified and requested them if a steroid could be given, until the time I asked for a steroid they did not even seem to think to give it, even when the specialist consultant came in they only said my child is a happy wheezer? What nonsense is that? Why are these doctors seemingly just waiting until the sickness is getting worsened? Why can’t they prescribe what I understand is the appropriate medication? 

We were to travel overseas the next day and I really needed some validation in taking my son on an airplane with the severe asthma but even then the consultant said there’s nothing they can give!

As soon after we landed overseas we quickly consulted a paediatrician for the cough and what he said was my child was wheezing severely and to be nebulized quickly! Why couldn’t PCH at least take that initiative?

Why are they, as I believe they are, putting children’s lives at risk like this?! In my opinion, the doctors I saw need to be trained properly.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Louise Keyes, Nursing Co-Director Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Health Service about a year and a half ago
Louise Keyes
Nursing Co-Director Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital,
Child and Adolescent Health Service

Submitted on 19/10/2022 at 6:47 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 20/10/2022 at 9:54 AM

Dear dracopc93

Thank you for contacting Care Opinion regarding the care and treatment provided to your child at Perth Children’s Hospital. What you have described sounds very distressing and I can understand your concerns, especially as your child was suffering from asthma and you needed reassurance about his condition.

I understand you are concerned that while your child was given a Ventolin puffer, the doctor did not prescribe steroids. Generally, our approach is to observe for a period of time after initial Ventolin has been given. This allows the doctors to assess the response to treatment and to see whether admission is needed. Oral steroids have limited benefits in young children with viral wheezing illnesses and are prescribed on a case by case basis, based on the child’s age, their response to Ventolin puffers and progression of the illness. Nebulisers are not generally used as puffers with a spacer have been found to be equally effective for children. I sincerely apologise if this information was not clearly explained to you at the time and that we did not reassure you about the treatment approach.

The term “happy wheezer” refers to a child with loud wheezing when listening to their chest, however, is not working very hard to breathe. This pattern is commonly seen in children with viral wheeze. Please be assured that this term was not used to minimise the significance of your child’s illness and I am sorry that this term was not explained to you at the time.

I would welcome the opportunity to respond to your concerns in more detail and help you feel more certainty about your child’s treatment. If you are open to us further investigating the treatment that was provided, please contact our Consumer Liaison service on 6456 0032 or email CAHSFeedback@health.wa.gov.au. We can then provide you with the specific details of your child’s case and elaborate on any concerns you may have.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for bringing your concerns to my attention.

Kind regards,

Louise Keyes,
Nurse Co-Director, Medicine Division.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k