title: Management of acute asthma.
abstract: The principal goal of treatment of the acute exacerbation of asthma is the rapid reversal of the airway obstruction which is best accomplished by the frequent administration of inhaled beta 2-agonists. In addition, the early addition of systemic corticosteroids improves the response in patients who incompletely respond to beta 2-agonists. If present, hypoxemia should be corrected with administration of supplemental oxygen. Close monitoring of the patient's response to treatment is essential and if the patient is over 4 years of age and can cooperate, this should include peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D012648:Self Care; D013224:Status Asthmaticus / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents