Asthma

Asthma Exacerbation

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Asthma Exacerbation, Exacerbation of Asthma

  • See Also
  1. Asthma Exacerbation
  2. Asthma Management
  3. Asthma Exacerbation Home Management
  4. Emergency Management of Asthma Exacerbation
  5. Asthma Inpatient Management
  6. Status Asthmaticus
  7. Asthma Exacerbation Severity Evaluation
  8. Asthma-Related Death Risk Factors
  9. Asthma Differential Diagnosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Fatal Asthma attack
  1. See Asthma-Related Death Risk Factors
  • Classification
  • Asthma Exacerbation Severity
  1. See Asthma Exacerbation Severity Evaluation
  2. Mild Asthma Exacerbation
    1. Dyspnea on exertion (or Tachypnea in young children)
    2. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) >70% of predicted
    3. Prompt relief with inhaled Short-acting Beta Agonists
    4. Home management
  3. Moderate Asthma Exacerbation
    1. Dyspnea limits usual activity
    2. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) 40-69% of predicted
    3. Relief with frequent inhaled Short-acting Beta Agonists
    4. Office management
      1. Add oral Systemic Corticosteroids
      2. Anticipate 1-2 days of symptoms after treatment onset
  4. Severe Asthma Exacerbation
    1. Dyspnea at rest, limiting conversation
    2. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) <40% of predicted
    3. Only partial relief with inhaled Short-acting Beta Agonists
    4. Emergency department management
      1. Hospitalization is likely
      2. Add Systemic Corticosteroids and ipratroprium
      3. Anticipte >3 days of some symptoms
  5. Life Threatening Asthma Exacerbation
    1. Unable to speak, severe Dyspnea with associated diaphoresis
    2. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) <25% of predicted
    3. Minimal relief with inhaled Short-acting Beta Agonists
    4. Emergency department stabilization
      1. Intensive Care unit admission
      2. Frequent or continuous Albuterol Nebs
      3. Add Systemic Corticosteroids and ipratroprium
      4. ABC Management
  • Management
  1. See Asthma Exacerbation Home Management
  2. See Emergency Management of Asthma Exacerbation
    1. Asthma presenting to clinic with Oxygen Saturation at or below 90% may be best managed in emergency department
  3. See Asthma Inpatient Management
  4. See Status Asthmaticus
  • References
  1. (2007) Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Asthma, NHLBI