Acute asthma

Question 1

Acute asthma management

Answer 1

O2 + 5mg nebulised salbutamol
IV 100mg hydrocortisone or 50mg PO pred

If escalating:
Nebulised ipratroprium bromide 500micrograms / 6hours
IV mag sulf 2g over 20 mins

5 of salbutamol, 50 of pred, 500micograms of ipratropium bromide

Question 2

If they are responding to asthma treatment?

Answer 2

Give nebulised salbutamol over 4-6 hours
Give pred 50mg for 5-7 days
Aim for PEFR over 75 percent of predicted

Question 3

If they are not responding to treatment

Answer 3

ITU & intubation
IV Aminophylline

Question 4

Things to check before discharge for acute asthma

Answer 4

Why did they get the asthma attack? What was the trigger?
Give PEF meter
Check inhaler technique
Make GP appt for within 2 days of discharge
Arrange 4 week respiratory follow up