Asthma Attack Treatment in Marietta, GA

Responding to an Asthma Attack

It can be frightening to watch your child experience an asthma attack. With all the possible triggers that can start this type of labored breathing, it may be difficult to know what to avoid and how to respond to this type of situation. Thankfully, our pediatricians at Cobb Pediatrics are here to help! To schedule a consultation at our pediatrician’s office in Marrietta, GA, please call (770) 425-5331 or schedule an appointment online!

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Use this guide only if a doctor has told you your child has asthma.

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

Symptoms of an asthma attack are wheezing, a cough, tight chest, and trouble breathing.

Wheezing is the classic symptom. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling or purring sound. You can hear it best when your child is breathing out.

The diagnosis of asthma requires attacks of wheezing that recur. The diagnosis is rarely made before 1 year of age.

Causes (Triggers) of Asthma Attacks

Infections that affect breathing (like colds or the flu)
Pollens (trees, grass and weeds)
Animals (like cats or rabbits)
Tobacco smoke
Irritants (such as smog, car exhaust, menthol vapors, barns, dirty basement)
Food Allergy (Serious). Asthma attacks caused by food allergy can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Examples are nuts or fish.

Asthma Attack Scale

Mild: No Shortness of Breath (SOB) at rest. Mild SOB with walking. Can talk normally. Speaks in sentences. Can lay down flat. Wheezes not heard or mild. (Green Zone: Peak Flow Rate 80-100% of normal rate)
Moderate: SOB at rest. Speaks in phrases. Wants to sit (can’t lay down flat). Wheezing can be heard. Retractions are present (ribs pull in with each breath). (Yellow Zone: Peak Flow Rate 50-80% of normal rate)
Severe: Severe SOB at rest. Speaks in single words. Struggling to breathe. Wheezing may be loud. Rarely, wheezing is absent due to poor air movement. Retractions may be severe. (Red Zone: Peak Flow Rate less than 50% of normal rate)
Peak Flow Meter: A peak flow meter measures Peak Flow Rates (PFR). It tells us how well a person can move air out of the lungs. A PFR can be used in children 6 years and older.

When to Call Cobb Pediatrics About an Asthma Attack

Call 911 Now

Wheezing and life-threatening allergic reaction to similar substance in the past
Starts to wheeze suddenly after bee sting, taking a new medicine, or allergic food
Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, can barely speak or cry)
Passed out
Lips or face are bluish when not coughing
You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Cobb Pediatrics Within 24 Hours

Mild wheezing lasts over 24 hours on neb or inhaler treatments
Sinus pain (not just congestion)
Fever lasts more than 3 days
Fever returns after gone for more than 24 hours
You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

Lips or face have turned bluish during coughing
Ribs are pulling in with each breath (retractions)
Peak flow rate 50-80% of normal rate after using neb or inhaler (Yellow Zone)
Wheezing not gone 20 minutes after using neb or inhaler
Breathing much faster than normal
Nonstop coughing not improved after using neb or inhaler
Severe chest pain
Need to use asthma medicine (neb or inhaler) more often than every 4 hours
Fever over 104° F (40° C)
Your child looks or acts very sick
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Call Your Pediatrician During Office Hours

Don’t have written asthma action plan from your doctor
Use an inhaler, but don’t have a spacer
Miss more than 1 day of school per month for asthma
Asthma limits exercise or sports
Asthma attacks wake child up from sleep
Use more than 1 inhaler per month
No asthma check-up in over 1 year
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Mild asthma attack

View Asthma Attack Treatment Options

Schedule an Appointment for Asthma Attack Treatment in Marietta, GA Today!

If your child is exhibiting signs of asthma or has previously had an asthma attack, contact our pediatricians to discuss your child’s symptoms and treatment. To schedule a consultation at Cobb Pediatrics located in Marietta, Georgia, please call (770) 425-5331 or schedule an asthma appointment online.

Request an Appointment