Viral Induced Asthma
We spent the night in the hospital again for my daughter.
It was out of an abundance of caution since her oxygen levels had dropped. Here is what I have learned as a mom with a child who deals with viral induced asthma.
Before I go any further, I want to be very clear that this is not medical advice. This is simply what we do for our daughter, based on our history, guidance from her doctors, and what we have learned over time. You should always check with your own doctor and follow what is appropriate for your child.
Early and aggressive management matters most
With viral induced asthma, timing is everything. For my daughter, early management and staying ahead of symptoms makes the biggest difference in preventing a full flare.
At the very first sign of a virus, we start levalbuterol. It is a bronchodilator, meaning it helps open the airways. We use it every four to six hours initially. If she starts coughing more, I increase it to every three to four hours. If I hear any wheeze at all, I temporarily increase it to every two to three hours.
Mask fit matters. I always make sure the nebulizer mask is sealed properly on her face so she is actually getting the medication.
Inhaled corticosteroids and why we start early
If you have an inhaled corticosteroid, we use Alvesco. We always start it at the first viral symptom. Two puffs twice a day during illness. During sick season she does one puff twice a day.
Using a spacer and slow breaths makes a huge difference in delivery. We do five slow breaths per puff to ensure the medication reaches the lungs effectively.
Alvesco, also known as ciclesonide, is a steroid that is inactive until it reaches the lungs, where it is converted locally into its active form. Because of this, it has much lower systemic absorption and less impact on growth velocity, adrenal function, and bone density compared to some other inhaled steroids. We always rinse her mouth immediately after use to avoid thrush.
This drug is not covered by insurance which is very frustrating as it helps my daughter so much.
Reducing airway inflammation and bronchial reactivity
One of the ways we help reduce airway inflammation and bronchial activity is through magnesium sulfate baths. We have been liking the Rowe Casa bath, but any Epsom salt will work if you don’t have that on hand.
I use 1-2 cups of magnesium sulfate (which is in the rowe casa salts) bath in a warm bath for twenty to thirty minutes, one to two times per day. The bath should be warm, not hot.
If tolerated, oral magnesium such as magnesium glycinate can also help. Magnesium supports smooth muscle relaxation, including the muscles in the airways.
We also add extra omega three fatty acids during illness, as they have anti inflammatory effects in the airways. Nordic Naturals, Carlson cod liver oil. I don’t use gummies…only liquid or pill.
Thinning mucus is critical
For my daughter, thick mucus is often what keeps the cough going and worsens breathing. Helping thin secretions makes a big difference.
Steam and humidity are key. We do steam showers for ten to fifteen minutes if she can tolerate it. She does not sit directly under the water stream. Sitting just outside the stream allows her to benefit from the steam without overheating.
Also love the Rowe Casa Steamers or No Tox Life.
We use a cool mist humidifier every night from Carepod. It is cleaned daily to prevent mold or bacteria buildup.
Warm fluids are hugely underrated. Bone broth, thyme tea, or even warm water with honey, ginger, turmeric, and a small crack of black pepper can help thin secretions.
A note on thyme tea. Thyme is antimicrobial and antispasmodic, meaning it can help calm coughing. It is very strong, so I always use honey to help make it more tolerable.
Nasal care matters more than most people realize
Post nasal drip is a major cough trigger for my daughter. We use a neti pot or saline rinse twice a day, before bed and before nebulizing.
We often use the NeilMed rinse. While plastic is not ideal, it is easier for kids. The water should always be warm, never cold or hot, as temperature extremes can make the experience more uncomfortable. I usually let her watch something while we do it.
For younger kids, a NoseBot can be a gentle suction option to help clear mucus and reduce coughing triggered by drainage.
Why order matters:
Levalbuterol opens the airways.
Alvesco calms the inflammation that keeps those airways reactive.
This is why order matters for us. We do nasal rinsing first, then nebulize with a bronchodilator, and then ten to fifteen minutes later we use the steroid inhaler.
Use the neti pot first, then take levalbuterol. After 10–15 minutes, use Alvesco.
What we learned from National Jewish Health
National Jewish Health in Denver is the top pediatric respiratory center in the country. Many of these strategies were taught to us by our pediatric pulmonologist there, who is a DO and takes a more integrative, east meets west approach to care.
Additional supports we sometimes use:
In our home, we always use homeopathic remedies (USE CODE DRORGANICMOMMY) depending on symptoms. These are not a replacement for medical care but can be supportive.
Antimonium tartaricum for rattly mucus and fatigue
Ipecac for persistent cough and nausea
Arsenicum album for anxiety, restlessness, and wheezing after midnight
From Uriel Pharmacy, we have used
Ferrum phosphoricum for early inflammation, fatigue, mild fever, and runny nose
Aconitum for sudden onset symptoms after cold exposure and nighttime cough
Bryonia for dry, painful cough that is worse with movement
Phosphorus for chest sensitivity and kids who tend to get bronchial involvement easily
I looked up lymphatic drainage techniques from the lymphatic message (Lisa Gainsley) and used them with this ointment, and my daughter said it helped!
Uriel plantain beeswax is the chest rub I use too!
Lumebox use
Although Lumebox (discount link) is not a proven or studied treatment for asthma, my daughter consistently says she feels better after using it. We use it twice daily on the front of her chest in combined mode for twelve minutes, and on her upper back for twelve minutes. We continue using it for five to seven days after a flare.
Environmental controls we are strict about
No smoking
No essential oil diffusers
Only non toxic cleaning products such as Branch Basics or simple vinegar and Castile soap
Sleep positioning
Sleep positioning matters for oxygen levels. I always elevate her head, as her oxygen saturation tends to drop when she lies flat. Side lying helps reduce coughing and seems to support better breathing overnight.
If you are walking this road, know that you are not alone. Viral induced asthma is exhausting, emotional, and requires constant vigilance. Learning your child’s patterns and responding early has made all the difference for us.
I will link the shows she watches in the hospital and the travel activities I always keep on hand to help keep her calm and distracted during long nights like these.
