1800 Maple Road, Suite #100
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 636-5437
3055 Southwestern Blvd., Suite #104
Orchard Park, NY 14127
(716) 636-5437
 
 Two convenient locations open 365 days a year. No appointment necessary! 
ASTHMA ATTACK
Asthma Attack

How to Handle an Asthma Attack

What Are the Symptoms of an Asthma Attack?

Asthma is an increasingly common diagnosis among people of all ages, with over 25 million people suffering from the disease. This includes roughly 8% of children. Because of this, it’s important for parents and guardians to know the signs of an asthma attack and what to do if their child shows them.

An asthma attack occurs when the patient’s airways become inflamed and swollen. You may notice that your child coughs, wheezes, or has trouble breathing. They might also complain of chest tightness or pain. If you have a peak flow meter, you should also have your child breathe into it and see if they are suffering from low peak expiratory flow (PEF).

Keep in mind, however, that these symptoms do vary from person to person. If you notice your child regularly has trouble breathing, have them evaluated by a physician so you can determine what the cause of the problem is and how to treat it.

When Should You Seek Help for an Asthma Attack? 

Oftentimes, asthma attacks will resolve on their own with prompt home treatment, which you can read more about below. However, if the asthma attack doesn’t respond to at-home treatment, it’s time to seek urgent pediatric medical care or even emergency care. This is especially true if your child experiences severe breathlessness, can’t speak more than short phrases, or has to strain their chest muscles in order to breathe.

How Is an Asthma Attack Treated?

Home remedies are the first line of defense against asthma attacks. Your child’s doctor should help you come up with a written plan that you can follow during an asthma attack. Make sure you know when and how to use your child’s fast-acting (rescue) inhaler, and if your child is old enough, teach them how to do so themselves. Your child’s doctor may also prescribe other medication for them to take during an attack.

If your child needs medical treatment, such as the type they’d get at Pediatric & Adolescent Urgent Care of WNY, they will probably be prescribed other medications to help get the attack under control. These medications can include beta agonists (like albuterol), oral corticosteroids, or ipratropium. In especially severe cases, the doctor may have your child intubated or require a stay at the hospital.

Asthma Attack Treatment for Western New York

Here at Pediatric & Adolescent Urgent Care of WNY, we hope to prevent severe symptoms from asthma attacks. If your child is ever having worrisome symptoms of an asthma attack, don’t hesitate to bring them to us. We can work to get the attack under control or refer them to emergency care if absolutely necessary. We’re here when you need us, and we’ll do everything in our power to help your child and you breathe more easily.

We have two convenient locations in Western NY, one in Williamsville and one in Orchard Park. We're the trusted pediatric urgent care provider for asthma attacks in all of WNY, including Amherst, Clarence, Hamburg, and the surrounding areas. If you think your child might be having an asthma attack, call us or visit one of our locations today!

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