[Controversies in the pharmacological management of acute asthma in children].
OBJECTIVE
To present a review of controversial issues related to the pharmacological management of the treatment of acute asthma in children.


METHODS
Articles published in national and international scientific journals. Data were selected from Lilacs and Medline databases.


RESULTS
The article was organized into topics, presenting aspects on which there is consensus regarding the pharmacological treatment of asthma in children. Issues related to the use of metered dose inhaler versus nebulizers, the role of beta2-adrenergic drugs administered intravenously as well as the role of methylxanthine and magnesium sulfate are approached critically.


CONCLUSIONS
Inhaled beta2-agonist drugs combined with corticosteroids remain the treatment of choice for acute episodes of asthma in children. Either nebulizers or metered dose inhalers connected to spacers are efficient for the relief of acute symptoms. Patients who are refractory to conventional treatment and develop severe acute asthma should receive beta2-agonist drugs intravenously, provided they are properly monitored. Methylxanthine and magnesium sulfate should be considered a second choice for selected patients.
Amantéa
Sérgio Luís
SL
Depto de Pediatria e Puericultura, Fundação Faculdade Federal de Ciências Médicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS. samantea@zaz.com.br
Sánchez
Ignacio
I
Piva
Jefferson Pedro
JP
Garcia
Pedro Celiny Ramos
PC