Most PALS will not benefit from a nebulizer/albuterol since asthma has different causes/effects than the breathing restrictions and obstructions that PALS experience. It does not really treat the problem in ALS, since it makes the airways bigger but does not make the muscles that move the air any stronger. So you are increasing the diameter of the pipe but not providing any extra air (as, for example, the BiPAP does -- where do things stand on that, Idaho?)
Also, relaxing the lung muscles as albuterol does, may actually make it harder for a PALS to push air -- because the muscles around the chest/throat are already increasingly floppy anyway.
Additionally, inhaled beta agonists can raise heart rate, cause nausea and tremors, among other side effects, which are often uncomfortable for PALS.
I'm glad the breathing treatment in ER helped, but, as you point out, it's not a long-term solution. I would really consider the BiPAP, even if you only use it at times like these, for a start. As for prevention, maybe next time season the duck later in the cooking process or let each diner season to taste? And get a new/better fan for your kitchen/crack the windows?
A BiPAP will have a humidifier built in. But if your indoor air is dry (your skin cracks, you get static shocks, etc.), a humidifer is a great idea to try. To avoid the ultrasonic dust that some humidifiers create, try the evaporative type.
Best,
Laurie