An Introduction to
Asthma in Children and Teens
Having an action plan
Step 1
If your child develops asthma symptoms, give two puffs of the reliever medication.
If symptoms do not go away after 15 minutes, go to Step 2.
Step 2
Give four more puffs of the reliever medication.
If symptoms are still present 15 minutes after the 4 puffs or if symptoms return within 4 hours go to Step 3.
Step 3
Call your primary care doctor immediately. If you cannot get in touch with your doctor and you are still concerned, take your child to the closest emergency department or call 911.
While awaiting medical services, give 6 puffs of albuterol every 10 minutes until you arrive at the hospital or the medics arrive at your home.
If asthma symptoms go away after Step 1 or 2, but come back four or more hours later, start on Step 1 again and repeat the steps.
Signs of Medical Emergency
By utilizing the asthma home management plan, we hope your child’s asthma can be managed and better controlled. However, it is important to be aware of symptoms that are signs of a medical emergency.
Call 911 immediately if your child develops any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hunched over
- Unable to lay down
- Chest muscles pulled in to breathe
- Passed out
- Unresponsive
- Blue lips/fingernails
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty speaking
