Lubret M, Bervar JF, Thumerelle C, Deschildre A, Tillie-Leblond I. [Asthma: treatment of exacerbations].
Rev Mal Respir 2012;
29:245-53. [PMID:
22405117 DOI:
10.1016/j.rmr.2011.12.002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Exacerbations remain, in both adults and children, a common reason for emergency consultation. The management of the asthmatic patient with an acute exacerbation is well defined.
BACKGROUND
The initial evaluation, based on the background risk factors and the clinical examination, will determine the choice of treatment and management. Treatment is based on bronchodilators and corticosteroids in the majority of cases.
VIEWPOINTS
An episode of exacerbation may be the opportunity to establish contact with the patient (an educational approach) to improve the adherence to long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, which remain the best way of preventing future exacerbations.
CONCLUSION
Early and appropriate management of exacerbations of asthma should reduce asthma morbidity and mortality. It could also reduce the socioeconomic costs of these episodes and the number and duration of hospital admissions.
Collapse