"my sons asthma attack."

My son came back from a play date out with his friends in early summer. When it was time to settle for bed he could not calm down and was breathing was so fast that he could not settle. After a while I thought that this is not a normal excitement, something was wrong but I did not know what. So I called 111 just to see if I should go to the out of hours GP or can wait till the next day.

After the usual assessments the Lady asked me if he had been in contact with any animals or if he had been in the cold for prolonged time. Yes and I don't know as it was a hot day and he has been playing in the water fountain with his friends. After a short time of being on hold I have been put through to a paediatric Nurse that explained to me that the symptoms sounded as if my son was gasping for air and that there could be a number of reasons. He had to be seen by a doctor immediately and that she would call a ambulance for me. I was a little stunned as I thought I am just being a overprotective Mother for calling in the first place.

I felt bad when when the ambulance came in full gear and my three year old didn't wanted to be seen by them. But as it is their profession the made a quick decision and drove us to the Hospital to see a paediatric Doctor there. After a little wait we have been seen and the diagnosis was that my son was actually suffocating as he could not get enough oxygen in by breathing. We had to stay over night for his medication and for oxygen. The Diagnosis was asthma and he needed to go on regular medication. Now after two years he is off the meds and not a asthma patient anymore.

I am glad that no one made me panic that night but took my call serious enough to be taken by ambulance to Hospital. Everyone involved saved my son's life!