Chronic Asthma Attacks

1. Epidemiology

1.1. 17.7 million adults

1.2. 6.3 million children

2. Clinical Presentations

2.1. latent release of inflammatory mediators that begins 4-8 hours after exposure

2.2. Recurrent episodes of wheezing, dyspnea, cough and exercise intolerance,

2.3. Status asthmatics, worsened hypoxemia, acidosis, pulses paradoxus

3. Diagnosis

3.1. Rapid assessments of ABGs, expiratory flow rates (peak flow meter), CO2 retention, decreased left ventricular filling, decreased cardiac output,

3.2. Identifying underlying triggers,

4. Treatments

4.1. Possible intubation for progression of respiratory failure

4.2. Avoidance of allergens, Long-acting beta agonists for persistent bronchospasm,