Acute Asthma Exacerbation in the Intensive Care Unit
摘要
Asthma is a heterogeneous airway-centric disease characterized by airway inflammation leading to reversible bronchoconstriction and airflow obstruction. An asthma exacerbation manifests as progressive respiratory symptoms and a decrease in expiratory airflow from a patient’s baseline. The range of severity of asthma exacerbations can vary vastly, from mild to severe. Prompt recognition of an exacerbation is crucial, as severe exacerbations can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Severe exacerbations, also known as status asthmaticus, should be triaged to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring of respiratory status. The basic management of exacerbations includes the use of inhaled bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids; however, several adjuncts have been proposed with varying benefit and evidence. Once stabilized, therapy should be de-escalated. Outpatient follow-up after hospitalization for an exacerbation is crucial to prevent future exacerbations.