Acute severe asthma

Status asthmaticus is the continuing severe symptoms of an asthma attack over a period of 24 hours. In asthma usual therapeutic measures are only partially effective. It is caused by a sharp spasm of the bronchi.

Symptoms of status asthmaticus are dyspnea, panting, rapid breathing and weakening of the respiratory sound due to the narrowing of the bronchi. Due to the insufficient supply of the body with oxygen (hypoxia ) leads to paleness, blue coloration ( cyanosis) of the lips, fingers and toes and impaired consciousness. As the body attempts to compensate for the hypoxia, the heart rate is increased; this can lead to arrhythmias. Other symptoms include restlessness, pupil size, and incontinence.

The most important diagnostic criterion, in addition to the symptoms, the arterial blood gas analysis, information on the amount of oxygen contained in the blood and are about the severity.

Of status asthmaticus is treated by administration of oxygen, with beta- 2-agonists for widening of the bronchi, aminophylline and theophylline to correct the bronchospasm, corticosteroids to inhibit the inflammatory response and parasympatholytics to inhibit smooth muscle contraction and mucus production. In particularly severe cases, non-invasive ventilation, alternatively, endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation following are necessary.