Having any one of these signs means medical care is needed. Call your doctor or get emergency medical care if your child exhibits any of these signs. Wheeze, cough, or shortness of breath gets worse, even after the medicine has been given time to work. Most inhaled bronchodilator medications produce an effect within 5 to 10 minutes. Discuss the time your medicines take to work with your child's doctor.
Child has a hard time breathing.
Struggling to breathe. Child has trouble walking or talking, stops playing and cannot start again. Peak flow rate gets lower, or does not improve after treatment with bronchodilators, or drops to 50 percent or less of your child's personal best. Discuss this peak flow level with your child's doctor. Lips or fingernails are gray or blue.