Sick Child gets okay from Doctor to attend

[Snowmom]

So child (2.5yr) was back today and generally okay participating in group but a few times he would have these severe hacking cough attacks; seemed like he was having an asthma attack (he doesn't have asthma). Can colds give the impression of an asthma attack and is it dangerous? He basically coughs till he's red/purple in the face, and painstakingly sucks in a breath because he just can't catch one and sounds like sucking thru a straw, and continues to cough for several minutes barely being able to breathe and clearing out phlem. During this time, i'm not breathing either from fright. Then it's over, he lays flat on floor from exhaustion for a while, and then and he's off playing again.
Should I ask mom to get a puffer for these episodes? or should he not be here at all? I've been doing daycare for a long time with lots of coughing kids, but this one looks like he's gonna keel every time he has an attack.... thanks bunches

Yes, anyone can develop asthma at any age. To me, this sounds like viral induced asthma or pneumonia.