Acute management of severe childhood asthma

AACN Clinical Issues
M Geller

Abstract

Severe childhood asthma is a serious, life-threatening disease that presents a challenge for patients, families, and caregivers. Despite evolving medical and pharmacologic therapies, the incidence and severity of asthma are increasing. Vasoactive substances are released in response to environmental and intrinsic triggers and result in bronchospasm, bronchial mucosal edema, and mucus plugging of the airways. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt, aggressive treatment, including oxygen, beta agonists, corticosteroids, and anticholinergic agents, are essential in halting the progression of asthma symptoms. In the most severe cases, intubation, mechanical ventilation, and treatment with anesthetic agents may be needed to avoid significant morbidity and mortality. This article reviews epidemiology, pathophysiology, and acute care of the child experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation.

References

Aug 1, 1992·Archives of Surgery·M D FlemingD McIntire
Feb 1, 1989·The Journal of Pediatrics·G FuglsangL Borgström
Jul 1, 1995·Pediatric Pulmonology·A J MartinP M Yellowlees
Jan 1, 1995·Pediatric Pulmonology. Supplement·P J Barnes
Jan 1, 1995·Pediatric Pulmonology. Supplement·G J Cropp
May 1, 1995·American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·T C Corbridge, J B Hall
Feb 1, 1995·American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·C A ManthousL D Wood
Dec 1, 1994·Pediatric Clinics of North America·J D Tobias, G E Rasmussen
Dec 1, 1994·Pediatric Clinics of North America·L K DeNicolaN Kissoon
Sep 1, 1995·The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation·D A RodebergG D Warden

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Feb 11, 2000·The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·C G Irvin
Oct 8, 2008·Bipolar Disorders·Lisa L GilesStephen M Strakowski
Jan 21, 2003·Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners·Benay JohnsonJane Andersen

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Asthma

This feed focuses in Asthma in which your airways narrow and swell. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Allergy and Asthma

Allergy and asthma are inflammatory disorders that are triggered by the activation of an allergen-specific regulatory t cell. These t cells become activated when allergens are recognized by allergen-presenting cells. Here is the latest research on allergy and asthma.