title: Asthma diagnosis and management.
abstract: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that is commonly seen in the emergency department (ED). This article provides an evidence-based review of diagnosis and management of asthma. Early recognition of asthma exacerbations and initiation of treatment are essential. Treatment is dictated by the severity of the exacerbation. Treatment involves bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Other treatment modalities including magnesium, heliox, and noninvasive ventilator support are discussed. Safe disposition from the ED can be considered after stabilization of the exacerbation, response to treatment and attaining peak flow measures.
authors.affiliation: Division of Emergency Medicine, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2684, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0W8, Canada.
authors.forename: Ariana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murata
authors.forename: Patrick M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Ling
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists