When should I go to the emergency room (ER) for an asthma attack?

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  A Dr. Todd L. Slesinger, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered on behalf of Aventura Hospital and Medical Center - HCA East Florida

  You should go to the emergency room (ER) for an asthma attack if you are having trouble breathing despite the use of your prescribed medications. Fast breathing, retractions, using extra muscles to help you breathe, the feeling that air is not getting in, and chest pain are just some of the reasons a person with asthma should come to the ER. 
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  A Dr. Paul T. David, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered on behalf of Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center

  

  When it is clear to a patient that they aren't getting enough air, they should visit the ER. In this video, I will explain how someone should assess the severity of an asthma attack.
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  A Dr. Michael A. LoGuidice, DO , Emergency Medicine, answered on behalf of Citrus Memorial Hospital

  

  Michael LoGuidice, DO, with emergency services at Citrus Memorial Hospital, explains when a patient should seek emergency care during an asthma attack.
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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  If you have asthma, call 911 or go to the hospital emergency room for:
  

  • A lot of trouble breathing
  • Trouble walking or playing
  • Trouble talking
  • Gray or slightly blue skin color

  These are signs of a serious asthma attack. Get medical help right away!
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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  An emergency room (ER) visit for asthma is indicated when home treatments are not working or if the attack is severe. For example, if you have used the maximum amount of your rescue albuterol inhaler or two nebulized treatments of albuterol and are still having a difficult time breathing, you should be seen right away. If you are taking care of a loved one who becomes tired, pale or blue, that person should be seen immediately.
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