When should I go to the ER for asthma attacks?

The Key Decision: Is Your Rescue Inhaler Enough?

Quick-relief inhalers like albuterol should ease an attack within minutes. That response is your main deciding line. If the inhaler works and your breathing returns to normal, you can usually manage at home. If it does not, the timing of your next step matters, because a severe attack can worsen quickly.

Go to the ER Now If

• Your rescue inhaler does not help, its effect wears off within an hour or two, or you keep needing it again and again.
• You cannot speak in full sentences without stopping to breathe.
• You have retractions — skin pulling in around the ribs or neck with each breath.
• Your peak flow is well below your personal best, or symptoms keep worsening despite your usual medicines.

At Bellaire ER you are seen quickly by a board-certified emergency physician, with on-site oxygen, nebulizer breathing treatments, steroids, and X-ray to rule out pneumonia or other causes — all in a single 24/7 visit.

Call 911 Instead of Driving If

Your breathing is severe, your lips or fingernails look blue or gray, or you feel drowsy or confused. Do not drive yourself in these cases; paramedics can begin treatment on the way.

When Telemedicine, Urgent Care, or Your Doctor Is Reasonable

You do not need the ER for every asthma concern. Lower-acuity situations that a telemedicine visit or your primary care physician can handle include:

• Mild symptoms that respond well to your rescue inhaler and fully settle.
• A rescue or controller inhaler refill question.
• Help adjusting a daily controller (preventer) medication.
• Reviewing or updating your written asthma action plan.

Bellaire ER also offers telemedicine for these lower-acuity concerns. When symptoms are severe, or you are unsure, choose the ER.

For a complete guide, see our asthma attacks page. Bellaire ER is open 24/7 at 5302 Bellaire Blvd; walk in any time or call (713) 660-0001.