Managing severe asthma exacerbations in children

Suja J. Nair, Michelle M. Cloutier

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

In children with severe asthma exacerbations, the best clinical indicators of severe airflow obstruction are the use of accessory muscles of respiration, severe dyspnea, and pulsus paradoxus. Patients with obvious signs of worsening respiratory distress should have immediate arterial blood gas sampling. Standard therapies include supplemental oxygen, 2 to 4 L/min by nasal cannula or 6 to 8 L/min by simple face mask; continuous nebulization of a β2-agonist; and systemic corticosteroids (oral administration is appropriate if the child does not have nausea or vomiting). Intravenous β2-agonists may be considered in patients with respiratory deterioration who do not respond to nebulized β2-agonist therapy. The addition of ipratropium in the emergency department (ED) may improve pulmonary function and obviate the need for hospitalization. Intravenous magnesium may be a safe adjunct to therapy for children who do not respond adequately to standard therapy in the ED.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)12-21
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Respiratory Diseases
Volume5
Issue number1
StatePublished - 2003

Keywords

  • Chest radiographs showing pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and atelectasis
  • Risk factors for fatal asthma Pathophysiologic effects on the lungs
  • The relationship between arterial blood gases and the degree of airway obstruction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

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