Management of acute bronchospasm in pediatric populations.
Asthma affects more than 6 million children in the United States. It is extremely important to recognize those children who are at risk of life-threatening bronchospasm episodes. This article outlines the importance of peak expiratory flow, (PEF), forced expiratory flow in 1 second (FEV1), and percent arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) as predictors of the exacerbation severity, degree of airflow obstruction, and need for hospitalization. In addition, clinical data on the safety and efficacy of levalbuterol among pediatric patients are also presented.
Chipps
Bradley E
BE
Capital Allergy and Respiratory Disease Center, Sacramento, California 95819, USA. bchipps@capitalallergy.com
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000367:Age Factors; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012307:Risk Factors
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol