[Severe acute asthma].
A severe acute asthma attack is defined by the presence of clinical signs of severity and/or a value of peak expiratory flow (PEF) < 30% predicted. The treatment is based mainly on inhaled beta 2 agonists and systemic corticosteroids. Nebulization is the route of administration of choice, because of its simplicity, its efficacy and its tolerability. Anticholinergics are indicated in association with nebulised beta 2 agonists. Response to treatment must be evaluated within an hour, permitting the early detection of "responders" or "non-responders" to the initial treatment. The great majority of deaths from acute asthma are avoidable, underlining the importance of preventive measures. Prevention is based on the control of the asthma by personalized ongoing treatment based on long-term inhaled corticosteroids and the use of oral corticosteroids in the treatment of exacerbations. However, a severe acute asthma attack can appear at any stage of severity of asthma, including controlled asthma, justifying the utilisation of action plans to treat exacerbations.
Salmeron
Sergio
S
Service de pneumologie Fondation Hôpital Saint-Joseph 75674 Paris. ssalmeron@hopital-saint-joseph.org
Robin
Marie-Luce
ML
Kettaneh
Laurence
L
Blanc
François-Xavier
FX
D000208:Acute Disease; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002423:Cause of Death; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013256:Steroids
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D013256:Steroids