Acute Asthma

Question 1

What is the first line treatment for acute asthma?

Answer 1

High-dose inhaled short-acting beta 2 egoist (such as salbutamol) ASAP

Question 2

For patients with mild to moderate acute asthma, how should the beta 2 agonist be administered in an attack?

Answer 2

Pressurised metered-dose inhaler and spacer can be used.

Question 3

For patients with severe or life threatening symptoms of acute asthma, how should the beta 2 agonist be administered?

Answer 3

Oxygen-driven nebuliser is recommended.

Question 4

In all cases, what should be prescribed in patients with acute asthma as well as beta-2 agonist?

Answer 4

Oral prednisolone.

Question 5

In patients with acute asthma, who cannot take oral prednisolone, what alternatives can be given?

Answer 5

Parenteral hydrocortisone
or
IM methylprednisolone

Question 6

What are the common side effects from taking beta-2 adrenoceptor agonists?

Answer 6

Arrhythmias, headache, hypokalaemia (with high doses), muscle spasms, nasopharyngitis, nausea, palpitations, rash, tremor

Question 7

What can be used if a patient has poor initial response to beta 2 agonist therapy in acute asthma?

Answer 7

Nebulised ipratropium bromide.

Question 8

What is the first line treatment for children over 2 years old for acute asthma?

Answer 8

Inhaled short acting beta 2 agonist such as salbutamol

Question 9

If a child over 2 yeas old has mild to moderate acute asthma, what is the preferred method of delivery for first line treatment?

Answer 9

Pressurised metered dose inhaler and spacer device

Question 10

If a child over 2 years old has acute severe or life-threatening symptoms, what is the correct method of delivery for first line treatment?

Answer 10

Oxygen-driven nebuliser

Question 11

What dose of prednisolone should be given to children over 2 years old in all cases of acute asthma?

Answer 11

1-2mg/kg once daily (max. per dose 40 mg) for up to 3 days, longer if necessary