My son has severe asthma. he's taking 2x seretide 6x atrovent (ipratropium) 6xs albuterol 1x singular with all this, he still gets breathless. could he need oxygen?

Breathing Problems: Your son obviously has breathing problems but your medication description is very confusing. He obviously needs to be seen by an asthma or pulmonary specialist. But the first thing is to make sure you are using the medications currently prescribed for you correctly. Many patients are confused by which med to use when. See your primary doctor or call them immediately if u r unsure of his meds.

He might at times: Your son is taking seretide (=advair) 2x/day, singuilair, salbutamol(=albuterol) 2x/day & atrovent (ipratropium) 6x/day. That's a lot of medication. His reliance on reliever medications (salbutamol & atrovent (ipratropium)) several times a day means asthma in not well-controlled. In the U.S. If your son were >12 years of age he would be a candidate for xolair therapy. For asthma oxygen therapy is used only in emergencies.

Asthma and Oxygen: Not likely. He should see a qualified allergist/immunologist who can help treat your son. Oxygen does not have a role in the treatment of asthma chronically, only during an acute episode requiring hospitalization. Most asthmatics who get "breathless" are not getting the right set of medicines, are not inhaling them properly, or have an additional/other diagnosis. Seeing a specialist will help.

Re evaluation needed: Your child is on many medications, some of which are rescue meds and some are maintenance medications. Sounds like he/she needs an evaluation by a pediatrician, allergist or pulmonologist, who is comfortable managing moderate persistent to severe asthmatics and can teach you how to use a home asthma action plan based on peak flow readings that you do 2 times a day at home to determine which meds.

Other thoughts: I would suggest reviewing contributing factors, such as triggers of the asthma attacks, smoke exposure, reflux and using a HEPA filter unit at home.