Son Is Always Sick.

May I offer: that you take him to an allergist to see if he has food/pet/plant/tree allergies. I'd also suggest taking him to a holistic practitioner.

Many children suffer from food allergies etc and parents are unaware.

Hi L.,

I want to start with saying I feel for your situation. I have been through a very similar situation with both of my children . My daughter would be sick from October through April, I myself as well. And then my son came along and ended up with RSV at 6 weeks old. After a week in the hospital they gave him a very small chance of survial. A dear fiend of ours recommended a product called Might a Mins it wasen't desighned for children under the age of 2 but we tried it at half strength. Within 3 days my litle man was on his way back to healthy. This product has helped both my children build their immune systems. I babysat last year had 6 other children in the house and they did not get sick at all. I am so greatful and impressed with this product I actually became a distributor. We just came out with some other formulas of the might a mins I will give you our portal or if you can give me your email I can send you some info directly.
The new formulas have OPC3 in them which is a highly powerful antioxidant. OPC3 in the adult strenght I know has helped my husband he had asthma and always got brochial asthms and since he has been takinbg it has not come down or had any problems
www.marketamerica.com/bvwolfe go to search and type in might a mins.

V.

Did the doctor mention how he determined that his immune system was weak? Do you know what blood tests he ran? I would check into it. If your son has a specific deficiency, ie IGG or IGA, it can make a difference and there may be treatment. I was diagnosed with an immune deficiency when I was 3 (many, many, many years ago:) and I can tell you, I have come across a lot of doctors who just don't know much about it. You may need to take your son to a different doctor or a specialist. Has he been sick throughout his 8 years or is it just recent?

Hello L.,when my children were younger,they had their share of colds,coughs and all 3 had asthma.I did some research and was alarmed when I found out how many chemicals and toxins are in cleaning and laundry products.
They could be the cause of so many problems your son is experiencing.Using green cleaning products,be sure to use products that are green,not a green clorox product.Look at what is in your laundry products.Read the labels on things you use in your home,those warning labels are there for a reason.Read a box bounce,it actually says "do not come in direct contact with fabric".Scary,isn't it?? We found a world of difference once we switched to more natural products.I found a great store to shop at,similar to Whole Foods,quality products but also great savings.If you are interested in knowing more,let me know.
www.SwitchStoresForHealthyLiving.com
www.formykidssake.com

Two thoughts come to mind. I am a retired teacher and have seen children who are ill when the heating system is running. The air is very dry and opens up the sinus for infection. Saline spray can keep the membranes moist.
The second it is sad to say is that doctors do not have a large background in nutrition. There are supplements that can help to build the immune system, starting with a pro-biotic and then adding a good mulit-vitamin. Try your local health food store - and some stores have better staffs than other - so shop around. Everytime your son in on an anti-biotic it is killing the good bacteria in his system as well as the bad. Good luck

Hi L.,
I do understand, and yes the immune system is the culprit! YOu didn't mention his age but there is a lot you can do to help his immune system.

First lets look at his environment, his bedroom. Strip his bed, wrap the box spring, mattress and pillow in allergy bedding the kind that zip. I forget the brand, but ask the allergist, get the least expensive one for the box spring, the middle of the road for the mattress and the most expensive one for his pillow (could be $40-$60 just to do the pillow) This alone will help. Hardwood floor is best, if you have any throw carpets remove it. Stuffed animals out of the room! Take the extra allergin stuff out. When you wash his bedding use hot water and allergen detergent (mild stuff, nothing with fragrence) Keep his door closed, especially if you have pets, his room is off limits. Make sure he doesn't have "down" comfortor or pillows etc. Try and stay with natural fabrics. Be sure he takes a multi vitamin ( you can get perscription from the pediatrician, but they might give you a hard time, and say get it OTC) get the script if you can insist. Higher doses in the perscription. Get chewable vitmin C too, let him eat these like candy. Depending on his age you may have to monitor these, he could have 1000 mg every 2 hours realistically. THis is a good place to start without much effort or frustration on you or his part. There is an herbal remedy that is the best immune enhancer, if you are interested in adding this to your day, let me know, the neat thing about this item is that you do it daily, and the longer you do it, it builds in your system. You would prepare it as a tea, and I would give you certain instructions how to prepare, it's easy so no worries. Good luck, oh by the way all the antibiotics he goes from one to another, depletes his immune system. So they are making things worse. Peppermint is good for the sinus' so in the fall you could prepare peppermint tea (as per my instructions) and drink daily, by the time Feb roles around he should be in good shape! Peppermint is an expectorant, (opens things up) and it strengthens and tones the sinus'. You could get peppermint essential oil and put a dab on each temple daily too if he doesn't want to drink it. Peppermint gum works too, but not my first choice. Good luck, here's to improved health.

L.

Hi L.,

I'm sorry to hear that your son is having such health issues at his age. I have worked with a holistic health counselor and do Healthy Home presentations on behalf of Healthy Child Healthy World http://www.healthychild.org
Unfortunately today there are many things causing chronic illnesses in children. As a result of what I have learned I have joined Shaklee a Health and Wellness company that has safe and effective products for children. This company has been in business for 52 years and they are the #1 selling supplement company in the U.S. I would suggest that you look at their children's vitamin products which are food based, not synthetic like you buy at the store. Here is a link http://www.shaklee.net/eganshaw/prodNutChild

They also have several great products to strengthen the immune system.
http://www.shaklee.net/eganshaw/prodNuFeronHome

The chemicals in cleaning products can also have a very negative effect on children's health, you can learn alot about that at the healthy child web site that I listed above. Shaklee carries a great line of organic cleaning products that really work. http://www.shaklee.net/eganshaw/getclean

If you have any questions feel free to email or call me at ____@____.com ###-###-####. I would be happy to give you more information and answer any questions that you may have.

My best to you and your son.

B. Egan

L., my doctor told me that this year has been an extremely bad year for virus, sinus infections, etc. I know that I need an antibiotic longer than the Z-pack of 5 days. And several family members and myself have had to be redosed with stronger antibiotics to get over sinus infections this year (I've had more than 1). Also, your pediatrician/doctor should know that you need to be on an antibiotic 24-48 hours before you are contagious to others. So why isn't he/she keeping your son home at least for 1 day? Because I have been sick every month, sometimes 2 times a month, I have increased my vitamin C to 2 x day and have changed to a better multivitamin. Not sure if any of this will help. Take care.

L., I have a few suggestions that might help. Run a humidifier/vaporizer every night during those months. Most sinus infections start with dry irritated passages. Also, use a saline nasal spray to keep him moist during the day. How about using a hand sanitizer in school? I have my kids keep thiers in the pencilbox. Be careful with too much alcohol content-look for alcohol free.Open a window and air out your house especially his room while he is in school. Stress handwashing-this eliminates almost every germ. I also wash my childrens backpacks,lunch boxes,coats,hats,etc. a minimum of once a week.Change his pillow case frequently (kids drool during sleep). Air out his pillow. Sounds like a lot of work, but once you get in the routine it is easy. Hope this helps you and him.

do you burn candles? my daughter kept getting sinus infections and we were always at the dr's and he asked me if i burn candles and i said yes and that was the problem because in the winter the windows are closed and the smell et in her sinus and makes her sick
good luck
T.

Hi L.! I know how you feel, my oldest, 11 yr old son, has lots of allergies including food, asthma and eczema. We have tried just about everything over the past 11 yrs, some work and some don't. Singulair does work but does have some side effects. My son took it for 4 yrs for the fall and winter months then took it year round for a year and a half until we noticed side effects and took him off. We took Juice Plus whole food supplement (it has 17 different whole fruit and vegetables) from the time he was 2 until he was 7 and he did get much better, that is when he was on Singulair during the fall and winter. We then moved out of state and I just never ordered it again and over the next 3 years he got much worse, ended up taking the Singulair year round and would end up in the Dr's office every time he got a cold because his asthma was so bad. We started the Juice Plus a year a half ago and he is much better, I took him off Singulair a year ago and his asthma has been much better! And, he has only missed one day of school this school year. I really think the diet is one of the best things we can do to improve our immune system. Lots and lots of fresh fruits and vege's and if they will not eat them then take a whole food based supplement. I did notice there are some at Kimberton Whole Foods. I don't know how good these are. We love the Juice Plus whole food supplements and know they work after being on it for 5 years and then being off for 3 and now back on for a year and a half.

I also think the probiotics in yogurt help. And we have started seeing a dr. who practices accupuncture and performs the NAET treatment. Here is the website http://www.naet.com/subscribers/what.html The dr. who was recommended is across from Paoli Hospital and is from China. She is a doctor and was a professor at the University of Beijing before her husband's job moved them here 8 years ago. A couple of friends of mine have gone to her and she has cured them of their allergies. One has an 8 year old son who was allergic to peanuts, milk, eggs, dogs, horses and environmental things and now, 3 years after his treatment he is still allergy free and can be around his grandmothers horses, eat peanuts, eggs and have milk without any allergic reaction. She also said he grew 2 inches during his treatment. WE have just started going to her so we'll see if she can do the same for my son.

I hope you are able to find something that works for you and your son and that he gets better soon!

L., I just wanted to add this link to Dr. William Sears, the well known pediatrician who has written many parenting books, talking about nutrition. http://www.juiceplus.com/uploads/Flash/flv/Sears/VideoPla...

My heart goes out to you! My kids are younger, but I had a similar experience w/ my daughter when she was 2 and 1st got diagnosed w/ asthma. Just some thoughts...singulair (a prescription) may prevent flare ups of asthma when it is allergy or cold induced. It's a chewable tablet 1x day. The flu shot helps. Probiotics (health food store- fridge) may help and daily vitamin. Don't underestimate stress also as an asthma trigger- As for your coworkers- try and grin and bear it...only you know your kid best!

Hi L. - My name is N. and I live in Phoenixville. My son is 13 and I share your identical story ( including being a single Mom). I have a good friend who is a DR. who endorses an antioxidant supplement which is in the form of dark chocolate. My son who has asthma and allergies as well, since he has been eating this every day, has been so much healthier and in fact only missed 2 days of school this year - every other year - I get a letter from the school alerting me to the status of how many days he has missed. I would highly recommend talking with her ( She is a mother of 3 boys - ages from 9 to 14 and really understands...!) You can check out some of the health benefits at www.mydrchocolate.com and call me if you want an intro to Dr. Kim. ###-###-####

I agree with many of the suggestions - vitamin C, yogurt daily, eliminate the candles/air fresheners, go green with the cleaning products - and take him to a chiropractor. Getting his spine adjusted will stimulate his immune system. It will take repeated treatments, but should help. In the Paoli area I would recommend Dr. Carl Hiller, in the Doylestown area either Dr. L. Pilon or Dr. Matt Gibbs. If you're not in either of these areas, check the American Chiropractic Association's web site for doctors in your area.

Best of luck with this difficult situation.

I had a very similar situation with my son. My son has a chart at his pediatrican's office which has to be about 3 inches thick beause we were always back because he was sick. Anyway, our pediatrican sent us to a Pediatric Pulmonologist in the Lehigh Valley who is fantastic. My son displays asthmatic symptoms when he is sick with coughing, no wheezing. He is now on a regimen that has eliminated ER visits, reduced school absences and allows him to have a "normal" life, even when sick! I understand that others can make you feel incompetent, but you are your son's advocate and if they dont get that, how blessed they are to not have to watch their child struggle to breathe.

If you need any further information, shoot me an email and I can get you the name/number of the pulmonologist.

Try Holistic DR. They use all natural thing & compound ingredients custom to your son's illness to recovery. My girlfriend is a strict vegetarian for over 40 years, Her husband & her 4 boys. They had various health issues & she always went to these types of Doctors. The boys are all great now. There all 16 years old to 22 years old. Give them a try, what have you got to loose? Also try a nanny pot for the sinus problem. A GNC store sells the little tea pot that works wonders!(Nanny Pot) Did you ever check his Ears for fluid? (tubes?)
That causes lots of bad problems. The fluid build up. colds, hearing loss, chronic sickness
& the need for antibiotics so much that you get immuned ....
You might be surprised what natural things can do. Your son will thank you for it.
Kindest Regards: S. Munizza of Bensalem PA. 19020

Have you considered food or environmental allergies? (My boyfriend cannot tolerate gluten--and believe it or not, one way it manifests is through sinus problems & eczema.) There could also be mold at your son's school.

Hi L.,
This must be extremely hard. When my son had a "constant cold/runny nose" and was finally put on Allegra I couldn't believe the difference in him. Before that his K teacher told him to tell me to send in a box of Kleenex and she had them right on his table and a garbage can next to his chair!
Have you considered changing pediatricians? I know what you mean about sending them right back & then its like here we go all over again. It's gotta be frustrating.
I don;t have any real knowledge on your specific situation, but like so many times, I would advise you that you know your child better than anyone else and you should probably go with your gut as far as the time it takes him to get well.
Also, have you looked into any natural products that may support his immune system? Maybe take him to a naturopath (sp?) to see if they could recommend anything?
Good luck to you and your little boy.

I use to have the same proublem when i was in middle school. After winter break i would go to school then be sick for 2-3weeks striaght. Later to find out that i was getting sick from the espices that was in the walls. At home we where not able to heat our house using the heater, because the dust and dirt that would come form the vents.

If it is only happing during certain mnths, then look into an allery that might be in the school or outside.

Best of luck. Hope that he grows out of it for you.

I don't think you should doubt your mothers' intuition. Doctors don't know everything. I think you need to get a second opinion. I am curious though tht if your son did well at home with a tutor is there something in the school making him sick?

Don't worry about what other people say trust yourself you are his mother.

Dear L.,
My Heart goes out to you. I can empathize with your situation in so much as I have a daughter who started having nearly identical symptoms as a 4 year old. Sick with one infection after the next. Coughing till vomiting. It got to the point that every time I took her out of the house she would "catch" something else. I would have to say that it took about a year and several Dr. / Specialist visits before someone seemed to "get" what the problems were and came up with a solution for her specifically.
Her allergy/asthma specialist put her on several things at one time. Singular, Zyrtec, Flonase, (daily) and a nebulizer with albuteral for asthma attacks.
I admit that I didn't like using so much medication at one time and that 4 years later she developed other side effects (we suspect the meds) that have caused us to decide to take her off all the meds for a while BUT it did work. Her immune system was given a chance to recover. Now, I admit that for her it was year around trouble, Never got a break from the symptoms even in summer which was why I was desperate to try anything.
It has been 3 years now and she has been sick with "something or other" less than 6 times. (and when she does get sick it is a typical cold that doesn't always make her gag and vomit.
We did the clean the house, get rid of the pets routine but truthfully, I never really saw any improvement for her, just a cleaner home. We have forced warm air for heat so I also put a humidifier in the furnace room so that the air would be more moist at the intake point and be a moister output in each of the rooms. I admit that it made my nose more comfortable and less dry during the winter months.
At that time we were also concerned about how she would be able to get through a year of school knowing how often she was sick (I have a personal stance that I am normally an unselfish person except when it comes to sickness, I REFUSE to share sickness with ANYONE else. This ment that my daughter would be at home sick almost constantly and we didn't even take her to church so that we wouldn't "Share" whatever she had) So my husband and I made the difficult decision at that time to home school her and used a "wait and see what happens" approach. It was fortunate for us that I was able to do this because it made the school experience more enjoyable for her. I imagine with your situation it would be impossible to do that but I just wanted to let you know that someone else has been there and that I know you are not imagining this and that it is hard for those who have never had this kind of experience to be supportive instead of unintentionally hurtful in their comments.
I have said a prayer for you that you might find the rights solutions for your family soon. May you have a day of peace and grace as you continue to struggle to find the solutions for your son.

First, trust your instincts. As a mom, 99.9% of the time our instincts when it comes to our own children are always "right on". So, don't worry what anyone else says or thinks, even, respectfully, your doctor. If you feel (and I mean feel) your son is sick enough physically or needs a "mental holiday", trust your instincts and keep him home. Kids are very resilient, strong and capable. Teachers will help him catch up with school work. Eventually, his system will grow stronger. Give him extra immune building vitamins, fresh fruits & veggies, juice, etc. Limit or eliminate preservatives (especially food dye!!). Be firm with bedtime. Kids NEED SLEEP! Parents underestimate the healing power of sleep. They need at age 8 minimally ten hours (or more) of sleep per night. If he's home sick, insist on rest in bed (in his room is best). Limit tv to encourage sleep. And keep telling yourself "this will pass". He will get better. Remind yourself that you are a good mom and doing the best you can. My oldest is 18 now and is rarely home sick. Your son will outgrow this phase. In the meantime treat yourselves to lots of TLC.

L.,
Try a neti-pot, probiotics, and an air purifier running in your sons room at night(a good one w/ a hepa filter). This combo made a HUGE difference for us.

Please have him tested for seasonal allergies.

I

I read in a book by Dr. Weir that if you want to do something for your immune system, eat a yogurt every day. Of course, it has to have the acidopholis? in it. I have a 7 year old and an 8 yr old. I buy the Organic Stoneyfield yogurt from Whole Foods because they have the largest selection of it. We all eat one every day and we very rarely get sick.
The other thing we do that I think helps is that we all wash our hands (every time) when coming in the house before we do anything else.
Hope this helps.

I can't speak to the constant illness but as someone with chronic sinus infections I would suggest trying a pediatric sized neti-pot or sinus rinse. It just uses saline water but helps tremendously. It's basically just a wash of the sinus cavities and it washes out the mucus buildup as well as any irritants. I use my neti-pot every day during the winter and it has made a word of difference in my sinus infections. I have a pediatric one for my young son and although he doesn't like it I can get him to be still while I do it.

Your local drugstore should have one for around $10.

Hi L.,

To help with immune system. Get your child some chewable vit. c tablets and multivitamin tables.

Get him some probiotics for young children. Give as directed on the bottle.

How are his tonsils and adenoids?

Get in a parenting support group so people can help you through your tough times.

Good luck. All the best. D.

I used to be sick during the same time period as your son. My allergies would act up then it would go into my sinus and I would have a 12+ week sinus infection. I remember once the doctor sent me for an x-ray of my sinus since the 3 or 4th antibiotic wasn't working.... Any way I now use saline nasal spray every day. For the first time in my life I actually get colds that go away quickly instead of going into sinus / ear infections. fyi... my ENT doc said I was prone to these infections because I have very narrow nasal passages. Just a thought but perhaps your son doesn't have a weak immune system but just narrow sinus passages that makes him prone to the infections during peek allergy season. Then once his body is fighting an infection and he's run down etc. he can't fight the viruses that he is exposed to in school. -
Also, since using the saline spray my allergies are not nearly as bad. Good luck!

I have only one suggestion Pro-Biotics. U can find it at any vitamin store. It helps with a whole bunch of things, from indigestion problems, sinus, acne, asthma. Its all natural. A nutritionist told me about it about a year ago, and i give it to my four sons daily. My oldest takes it for bad breathe and acne, my youngest takes it for is pre-asthma during the winter months, my second one for constipation problems, the third just for prevention. I also take it for regularity. It is one of the best things. Just try it, it might be as easy as that. Good luck and God Bless.