Acute Asthma

supplemental oxygen. Mild to moderate hypoxemia is a common arterial blood gas finding. Hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis may occur due to the high respiratory rate of an acute asthma exacerbation, but prolonged or severe symptoms may cause hypercapnia and metabolic acidosis (Karwat, 2002).
Chest radiography is often normal; however, findings can encounter hyperinflation of the lungs with flattened diaphragm if there is obvious air trapping with the diagnosis of asthma. A CXR may be obtained if the reason of the patient's wheezing is uncertain. This is particularly helpful in patients in case of other comorbid conditions, fevers, immunocompromised condition or associated chest pain. Otherwise, it scarcely changes management (Jarjour et al., 2012).
Electrocardiography (ECG) is not routinely useful in the diagnosis of acute severe asthma. Through an acute exacerbation, the ECG will often maintain sinus tachycardia or right ventricular strain. In patients who have encountered chest pain or a medical history of CHF, an ECG may be important to
This medication can be introduced by two methods of delivery; MDI (Metered Dosed Inhaler) or aerosolized solution (nebulizer). Albuterol has an onset of action of 5 min and duration of action through 6 hours. MDI are adequate in mild to moderate exacerbations and is as powerful as the aerosolized solution, producing a similar dose of medication in a short amount of time. To maintain sufficient medication to the distal airways, and for optimum MDI effectiveness, a holding chamber is used. The dose is albuterol two 90 mcg puffs into the holding chamber and the patient inhales subsequently the aerosolized mist. This could be repeated every 4-6 hours. Method of delivery is manipulated with a mask at the end of the spacer in the pediatric population that adapts to the child's face (Rodrigo et al.,