Yesterday evening, I was cooking dinner when I heard a knock on the door.
I thought it was the postman but it was the big brother, coming home earlier than expected.
He was bent over double as he lugged his art bag and lunch bag in.
“You make me walk so far! I am so tired! I have a stomach pain!”
Shutting the door, I ran back into the kitchen and poured him a glass of warm water. Then, I finished the dish and turned off the fire.
Usually, I would get dressed and then rush off to pick up the toddler.
Yesterday, I decided that I would sit down with him for a few minutes.
Thank God I did because I suddenly noticed that he was looking rather pale.
He was also quiet (highly unusual as he usually tells me stuff i.e. his friends, food, “Mummy, do you know that…” and etc).
I asked him why he was back earlier than usual.
When he started talking, I realized that he was experiencing a shortness of breath
He was talking in gasps the way a marathon runner does after completing a race!
I put my ear to his chest and I could hear wheezing.
Was it an asthma attack?
I ran to grab the aerochamber and Seretide puff. It’s been ages since we used it and I am glad I have this mommy blog because I could read up on how to use the puff again.
Then, I gave him a warm mug of nim jiom pei pa koa to sip, rushed to pick up the toddler and hurried her home.
I texted Hubby about it because I didn’t know what else to do. I have no experience with asthma – Hubby had asthma when he was a kid and my father had asthma till his early 20s.
The wet and cold weather must have triggered the asthma attack because he’s only got a slight cough. His little sister is just getting better from a phlegmy cough and a runny nose.
He’s much better today although his voice isn’t that steady yet. I dare not give him a bath (just washing of the essentials) though.
He’s dressed in warm clothes and drinking lots of warm water.
Definitely signing him up for swimming lessons – my dad said he never got another attack after he started swimming.
Now, I wonder if I’ll have to pack the aerochamber when he goes to school next year??? Would the teacher be able to recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack???
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Better bring him to the doctor to have a check-up! Better to find out as early as possible.