title: Severe bronchial asthma requiring ventilation. A review of 20 cases and advice on management.
abstract: The natural history and outcome of 20 asthmatics who required mechanical ventilation is reviewed. Seven of these patients died. The majority of the deaths could have been prevented if: (1) The patient had been followed-up in an asthma clinic and had been fully informed of the danger of an asthmatic attack. (2) The medical staff had been trained more fully in the evaluation and management of a severe asthma attack. Careful sequential assessment will enable timely transfer of patients with severe bronchial asthma to a unit experienced in their management.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007385:Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000009:adverse effects