A study of acute asthma in the accident and emergency department.
We have conducted a survey of all the asthmatic patients seen at the Leicester Royal Infirmary Accident and Emergency Department during a 1-year period. A significantly greater number of patients were seen in the 8-hour period 1600-2359 hours and a greater number of patients were seen on Sundays and bank holidays. Wheeze was recorded in only 43% of the patients and there was no record of any nocturnal asthmatic symptoms. Peak expiratory flow rate was only recorded in 26% of patients before treatment with nebulized salbutamol (the commonest treatment). Pulse rate, respiratory rate, time of day or month did not determine whether or not a patient was admitted. We conclude that the education of junior doctors in the management of asthma is still deficient.
Ebden
P
P
Glenfield General Hospital, Leicester.
Carey
O J
OJ
Quinton
D
D
Cookson
J B
JB
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D000368:Aged; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000336:Aerosols; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol