😮💨 Asthma Acute Exacerbation Management
This tool directs asthma exacerbation management by severity, framing bronchodilators, systemic steroids, controlled oxygen, and escalation.
Asthma Acute Exacerbation Management
Exacerbation severity
When to use
Use to triage and treat: mild-moderate in outpatient/community, severe in the ED with ipratropium and possible IV magnesium, and life-threatening in ED/ICU with ventilation readiness.
How it works
Core: repeated SABA + early systemic steroid + controlled oxygen (SpO₂ 93–95%). Severe adds ipratropium ± IV magnesium sulfate 2 g; life-threatening prepares for mechanical ventilation.
Key points
- IV theophylline/aminophylline is avoided for poor efficacy and high risk, and response is reassessed 1 hour after treatment. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim)
- Systemic glucocorticoid is given early in severe exacerbations and a 5–7 day oral course in milder ones.
- Controller drugs are adjusted and follow-up arranged before discharge.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.