Asthma attacks in children can be triggered by a viral upper respiratory infection or allergies in children.  If this is not your child's first episode and you have medication at home, give Albuterol or Xopenex through the nebulizer or inhaler with spacer immediately as prescribed.  If your child does not respond or is still having coughing fits, retractions (pulling in at the ribs or neck), working to breathe, or nasal flaring, then go to your closest ER or  call 911. 

If you are using this rescue medicine for your child's asthma more than twice a week regularly or every 4-6 hours for a couple of days, call our office to have your child evaluated.  Schedule an asthma consult with one of our providers to review asthma care and management during an acute episode as well as maintenance.  Our goal is to have a childs play, sleep, and daytime activities not to be limited by the asthma!