Asthma (Adult)

Question 1

What are the key concepts of Asthma management?

Answer 1

Relief of bronchospasm with bronchodilators
Reduction of inflammation with steroids

Question 2

Why do we infuse Magnesium over 20 mins?

Answer 2

To avoid hypotension, flushing and sweating

Question 3

Protocol Mild Asthma in Adults?

Answer 3

Salbutamol MDI 1200mcg

Question 4

Protocol Moderate Asthma in Adults?

Answer 4

MID: Salbutamol 1200mcg Ipratropium 168mcg
-repeat salbutamol every 20 mins up to 3 times
Neb: Salbutamol 5mg Ipratropium 500mcg
-repeat salbutamol every 20 mins up to 3 times
Prednisolone 50mg

Question 5

Protocol Severe Asthma in Adults?

Answer 5

Neb: Salbutamol 15mg and Ipratropium 500mcg
-repeat Salbutamol prn and Ipratropium every 20 mins to max 3
Steroid: Oral Prednisolone 50mg or IV hydrocortisone 250mg
Fluid: IV Saline 250mL up to 20mL/kg
Magnesium: 10mmol over 20 mins via driver or 100mL bag at 2 drops/sec

Question 6

Protocol Life-threatening Asthma in Adults?

Answer 6

Same as severe but:
IM Adrenaline 10mcg/kg to single maxdose 500mcg every 5 mins
OR
IV/IO adrenaline
-Syringe: 5mcg/min consult if >50mcg/min
-Manual: start at 0.1mcg/kg/min where 1drop/sec is 6mcg/min