Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory illness with acute exacerbations, which often is encountered in the ED setting. Knowledge of the presentation and treatment of asthma is crucial for any physician treating patients with this disease. Beta-agonist, anticholinergic, and corticosteroid therapy continue to be the mainstay of emergency therapy despite advances in newer medications. Proper attention to long-term treatment of asthma and aggressive treatment of acute exacerbations should help reduce morbidity and mortality.
MeSH terms
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Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use
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Adult
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Aged
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Aminophylline / therapeutic use
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Anti-Asthmatic Agents / therapeutic use
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Asthma / diagnosis*
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Asthma / therapy*
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Bronchodilator Agents / therapeutic use
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Child
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Cholinergic Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Emergency Medical Services / methods*
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Female
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Helium / therapeutic use
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Humans
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Intubation, Intratracheal / methods
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Leukotriene Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Magnesium Sulfate / therapeutic use
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Oxygen / therapeutic use
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Physical Examination / methods
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Complications / therapy
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Respiration, Artificial / methods
Substances
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Adrenal Cortex Hormones
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists
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Anti-Asthmatic Agents
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Bronchodilator Agents
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Cholinergic Antagonists
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Leukotriene Antagonists
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Helium
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Aminophylline
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heliox
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Magnesium Sulfate
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Oxygen