Nebulized Magnesium Sulfate in Children With Moderate to Severe Asthma Exacerbation

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients age ≥ seven years * Previous diagnosis of asthma or previous episode of wheezing treated with beta-agonist medication * Able to complete bedside spirometry * FEV1 \< 70% predicted Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy to magnesium sulfate * Known contra-indication to albuterol * Respiratory distress occurring as a result of bedside spirometry * History of neuromuscular disease, cardiac disease, renal disease, or underlying chronic lung disease * Pregnancy * Use of oral steroid medication within 72 hours of presentation * Radiographic evidence of pneumonia at presentation * Intubation during the current encounter prior to study enrollment * Administration of intravenous magnesium sulfate prior to study enrollment * Prior participation in this study