Acute asthma treatment

Question 1

The 5 key points in managing a mild / any asthma exacerbation:

Answer 1

1. Inhaled beta-2 agonists via spacer
2. Quadrupled dose of inhaled corticosteroid (up to 2 weeks)
3. Oral steroids
4. Antibiotics
5. Follow up within 48 hours

Question 2

The additional 3 things that can be done in a moderate exacerbation of asthma:

Answer 2

1, Consider hospital admission
2. Nebulised beta-2 agonists
3. Steroids (oral prednisolone or IV hydrocortisone)

Question 3

6 additional things that may be required in a severe exacerbation of asthma:

Answer 3

1. Hospital admission
2. Oxygen
3. Nebulised ipratropium bromide
4. IV magnesium sulphate
5. IV salbutamol
6. IV aminophylline

Question 4

2 things that should be done in a life-threatening exacerbation of asthma:

Answer 4

1. Admission to HDU or ICU
2. Intubation and ventilation

Question 5

What are the 3 things to do in the immediate treatment of acute asthma exacerbation in adults?

Answer 5

• Give nebulised salbutamol 5mg
• Give 100mg IV hydrocortisone / 40-50mg prednisolone PO
• Start oxygen if sats are < 92%