Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for asthma. Many things can cause asthma to get worse, like a cold, allergies, or cold weather. An asthma "attack" is when symptoms start suddenly.
It is important to follow up with your child's regular doctor. You should also help your child take their asthma medicines as instructed.
The doctor might have given your child an asthma action plan or a peak flow meter. These can help you and your child manage their asthma.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.
●Know how and when to give your child their asthma medicines. They might have:
•"Quick-relief" or "rescue" medicines – These relax the muscles around the airways and help your child breathe easier. Your child should take them to relieve symptoms when they happen. Albuterol is a common example.
•"Controller" medicines – These reduce swelling of the airways. Your child should take them every day to help prevent asthma attacks. It is important they take their controller medicine every day, even when they feel well.
•Oral steroids – These are given during an asthma attack and for a few days after to help get your child's asthma back under control.
●Do not smoke. Do not let others smoke near your child or in the car with your child. Smoke can stay on clothes and furniture and cause breathing problems.
●Lower your child's risk of getting sick. In children, viral infections are the most common asthma "trigger." Examples include a cold, the flu, and COVID-19. Wash your child's hands often, and keep them away from people who are sick.
●Learn what other things trigger your child's asthma, and help them try to avoid those things. Common triggers include exercise, allergens (such as dust, pollens, or pet hair) and scents from cleaning products, detergents, or perfumes.
●Know if your child needs an extra dose of their quick-relief inhaler before they exercise. If they have an inhaler to use when they feel short of breath, carry it with you at all times. Make sure any other caregivers also carry one with them at all times.
●Follow your child's asthma action plan and help them use their peak flow meter, if they have them. The peak flow meter helps measure how well their lungs are working.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•Your child's skin, nails, lips, or area around their eyes are blue or gray.
•Your child passes out, seems very sleepy, or is less alert than normal.
•Your child has so much trouble breathing they can only say 1 or 2 words at a time.
•Your child needs to sit upright to breathe, or cannot lie down.
Give your child their quick-relief medicine while you wait for the ambulance.
●Return to the ED if:
•Your child has trouble breathing when talking or sitting still
•Your child's symptoms do not get better or get worse after giving their quick-relief medicine.
•Your child is having trouble breathing, and the skin and muscles around their ribs are pulling in with each breath (called "retractions").
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your child's wheezing returns but is not severe, your child can talk in full sentences and is comfortable sitting, and:
•Their symptoms do not improve within 20 to 30 minutes of using their quick-relief inhaler.
•You have to give the quick-relief medicine more often than every 4 hours.
•Their wheezing lasts more than 24 hours.
•They have coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing at night.
●Your child needs to use their quick-relief medicine more than 2 times a week for symptoms.
●Your child cannot do their normal activities because of their asthma symptoms.
●Your child has new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Asthma in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Asthma action plan for children (The Basics)
Patient education: Exercise-induced asthma (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for asthma (The Basics)
Patient education: Avoiding asthma triggers (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a peak flow meter (The Basics)
Patient education: Asthma symptoms and diagnosis in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Exercise-induced asthma (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Asthma treatment in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Asthma inhaler techniques in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Trigger avoidance in asthma (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: How to use a peak flow meter (Beyond the Basics)
