Acute exacerbation of brochial asthma: evaluation and management in an emergency department

摘要

Abstract Two hundred patients presenting at the Emergency Department (ED) with signs and symptoms of acute asthma and requiring emergency management were studied to determine their response to repeated nebulization with B-2 agonist. This was effective in 83% while a further 14% needed the addition of intravenous hydrocortisone. The remaining 3% did not improve and were admitted. We concluded that the assessment of the severity of asthma is easy for a primary care doctor and that B-2 agonist nebulization is an effective, safe and easily applied method of treatment.