EMERGENCY SIGNS

The following signs clearly indicates a serious condition. When having any one of these signs means medical care is needed. Call your doctor or get emergency medical care if you or your child exhibits any of these signs.

Please Note:

When wheezing, cough, or shortness of breath gets worse, even after the medicine has been given time to work. Contact your physician.

Most inhaled bronchodilator medications produce an effect within 5 to 10 minutes. Discuss the time your medicines take to work with your child's physician.

• Child has a hard time breathing.
• Child has trouble walking or talking, stops playing and cannot start again.
• Struggling to breathe.
• Chest and neck are pulled or sucked in with each breath.
• Peak flow rate gets lower, or does not improve after treatment with bronchodilators, or drops to 50 percent or less of your child's personal best.
• Discuss this peak flow level with your child's doctor.
• Lips or fingernails are gray or blue. (cyanosis) If this happens, GO TO THE DOCTOR OR EMERGENCY ROOM RIGHT AWAY!

American Lung Association: Asthma Information