Acute Asthma Flashcards
What is an acute exacerbation of asthma
A rapid deterioration of symptoms that is triggered by common asthma triggers ( infection, excursive, cold )
How does acute asthma present
1- Progressively worsening SOB
2- use of accessory muscles
3- Tachypnoea
4- symmetrical expiratory wheeze on auscultation
5- chest sounds tight on auscultation with reduced air entry
What is the PEFR for moderate acute asthma
50-75% of predicted
What are the qualifications for severe acute asthma
1- PEFR 33-50% predicted
2- Resp rate > 25
3- Heart rate > 110
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What are the qualifications for life-threatening acute asthma
1- PEFR <33% 2- Sats < 92% 3- Tiredness 4- No wheeze because airways are so tight ( silent chest ) 5- Haemodynamic instability ( shock )
What is the treatment for moderate acute asthma ( Hint: 3 )
1- Nebulised beta 2 agonist ( salbutamol )
2- Nebulised ipratropium bromide
3- Steroids for 5 days : oral prednisolone or IV hydrocostisone
4- Antibiotics if there is an infection
What is the treatment for severe acute asthma ( Hint: 3 )
1- Oxygen if sats are 94-98%
2- Aminophylline infusion
3- salbutamol IV
What is the treatment for Life threatening acute asthma ( Hint: 3 )
1- IV magnesium sulphate infusion
2- admission to ICU
3- Intubation in worst
What will happen to ABG in asthma
There will be respiratory alkalosis due to tachypnoea causing drop in CO2.
What ABGs indicate life threatening asthma ( Hint : 2 )
1- normal pCO2 or hypoxia ( shows they are tiring )
2- Respiratory acidosis due to high CO2
How is asthma treatment monitored
By monitoring : 1- respiratory rate 2- respiratory effort 3- peak flow 4- oxygen saturation 5- chest auscultation
Why would serum potassium be monitored during asthma treatment
If salbutamol is used it will cause potassium to be absorbed from blood into cell
