When To Take Your Child To The ER For Asthma

How To Recognize An Asthma Emergency In Children & Seek Immediate Care

For families managing childhood asthma, knowing when to seek emergency care can be the difference between relief and a crisis. Asthma symptoms can escalate quickly, especially in young children who may not be able to explain how they’re feeling. At The Emergency Center, we know how stressful it can be when your child is struggling to breathe — and we’re here to help every moment of the day.

Asthma is a chronic condition, but not every flare-up is an emergency. Many children manage asthma well with prescribed medications, inhalers, and regular visits to their pediatrician. However, certain symptoms indicate that an asthma attack is severe and needs immediate medical attention.


Bring Your Child To The Emergency Center For Asthma emergencies If They Experience:

  • Rapid, shallow, or labored breathing
  • Inability to speak in full sentences without gasping
  • Chest retractions — when the skin pulls in around the ribs or neck during breathing
  • Bluish lips or fingernails — a sign of low oxygen
  • No improvement after using a rescue inhaler
  • Lethargy, confusion, or unresponsiveness

These signs suggest that your child isn’t getting enough oxygen — and time is of the essence. The Emergency Center is fully equipped to treat severe asthma attacks. Our on-site diagnostics allow us to quickly assess oxygen levels and lung function, and we can administer fast-acting medications like albuterol, corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy. If needed, we have advanced airway support tools to stabilize your child and ensure safe breathing.

Here’s Why Families Trust The Emergency Center During Asthma Emergencies:

  • No waiting, no appointments: When your child can’t breathe, every second counts. Our 24-hour no-wait emergency room for kids ensures they see a doctor right away — no sitting in crowded ERs or waiting for office hours
  • Pediatric expertise: Our team is experienced in treating asthma in children, with a calm and comforting bedside manner.
  • Immediate breathing treatments: Nebulizers, inhaled medications, and oxygen support are all available on-site, around the clock.
  • Comprehensive care: We don’t just stabilize your child — we explain what’s happening, help you understand your next steps, and coordinate care with your child’s primary physician if needed.

Asthma can be a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right care, children with asthma can live full, active lives. And when a crisis strikes, The Emergency Center is here to help you navigate it — with speed, compassion, and clinical excellence.

The Emergency Center. Real Emergency Care. Real Fast.

The Emergency Center Logo

The Emergency Center

San Antonio
11320 Alamo Ranch Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: 210-485-3644

Conroe
4019 Interstate 45 N,
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: 936-247-9457