title: Pharmacological management of acute asthma exacerbations in adults.
abstract: Acute exacerbations of asthma can be life threatening. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of acute severe asthma in adults. An understanding of the signs and symptoms of the disorder, and treatment options will ensure rapid decision making when time is crucial during an exacerbation. A proactive approach to managing acute severe asthma may substantially improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for readmission to hospital.
authors.affiliation: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield. vhazeldine@gmail.com
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hazeldine
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004496:Education, Continuing; D017050:Episode of Care; D006801:Humans; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists; D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2