Acute exacerbation of asthma: a case report

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways with a worldwide prevalence ranging from 1% to 18%. We report the case of a 43-year-old man with acute asthma exacerbation admitted to Emergency Department. All patients with asthma are at risk of having exacerbations characterised by worsening symptoms, airflow obstruction, and an increased requirement for rescue bronchodilators. Patients should be evaluated and triaged quickly to assess the presence of exacerbations and the need for urgent intervention. The goals of treatment may be summarised as maintenance of adequate oxygen saturation with supplemental oxygen, relief of airway obstruction with repetitive administration of rapid-acting inhaled bronchodilators, and treatment of airway inflammation with systemic corticosteroids.