acute asthma

Question 1

History

Answer 1

• treatments used so far
• preventer treatment (technique and adherence)
• triggers (URTI, passve smoking, exercise, cold ar, allergen exposure)
• previous episodes (ICU admissions)

Question 2

red flags for alternative diagnoses

Answer 2

productive cough
isolated cough
parasthesia
chest pain
clubbing

Question 3

treatment of mild acute asthma

Answer 3

1-5 years: 2-6 puffs salbutamol
6+ years: 12 puffs salbutamol

reassess after 20 minutes from initial dose

Question 4

treatment for moderate asthma

Answer 4

1-5 years: 6 puffs for 3 doses 20 minutes apart, no steroids
6+ years: 12 puffs for 3 doses 20 minutes apart, give steroids

Question 5

what kind of steroids should you give

Answer 5

Question 6

if good intial response in moderate asthma

Answer 6

monitor and discharge with education, action plan, follow up

Question 7

if poor initial response in moderate asthma

Answer 7

add ipratropium bromide, consider alternative diagnosis

Question 8

what should ongoing assessment and monitoring consist of

Answer 8

Question 9

management of severe asthma

Answer 9

Question 10

response following intial management in severe asthma

Answer 10

Question 11

life-threatening asthma management

Answer 11

Question 12

which is the best steroid

Answer 12

dexamethasone causes less vomiting and has a longer half life