FreeMD® Asthma Treatment: Acute Severe Attack

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Asthma Treatment: Acute Severe Attack

Initial treatment for a severe asthma attack includes:

Monitor the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)
Follow your treatment plan
Short-acting inhaler, such as albuterol:

4-6 puffs every 10 minutes
Continue at this dose for 30 minutes

Contact your doctor immediately
Seek emergency care if symptoms do not improve

Treatment for a severe asthma attack in the emergency room includes:

Oxygen therapy
Albuterol 5 mg via oxygen-driven nebulizer
Repeat albuterol every 15 to 30 minutes depending on symptoms
Ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg via oxygen-driven nebulizer
Prednisone 40 to 50 mg or 100 mg hydrocortisone IV
Intravenous magnesium sulfate 1.2 to 2 grams infused over 20 minutes
Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) in the event of respiratory failure.

Continue to Asthma Treatment: Chronic Mild Asthma

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Last Updated: Oct 11, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

Copyright 1989-2008 DSHI Systems, Inc. Powered by: freeMD

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