Review: inhaled corticosteroids alone appear to be as effective as oral corticosteroids after emergency department discharge for acute asthma

Asthma is one of the most common diseases in developed nations. A pathognomonic feature of asthma is episodic aggravations of the disease; these exacerbations can be life-threatening and contribute to a significant proportion of the public health burden of asthma. In the emergency department, successful management of asthma exacerbations requires early recognition and intervention before they become severe and potentially fatal. This review summarizes the pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and disposition and outcomes for asthma. Figures show the management of asthma exacerbations in the emergency department and hospital, pooled odds ratio comparing inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids with oral corticosteroids alone following emergency department discharge, and an asthma discharge plan at the emergency department. Tables list current asthma prevalence among selected demographic groups in the United States, risk factors for fatal asthma exacerbations, differential diagnosis of asthma exacerbations, and dosages of drugs for asthma exacerbations. This review contains 3 figures, 16 tables, and 88 references. Key Words: Asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sinus disease, breathlessness, shortness of breath

Download Full-text

Asthma Management at Discharge from the Emergency Department: A Descriptive Study

Canadian Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1155/2005/565862 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 219-222 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Pascale Gervais ◽

Isabelle Larouche ◽

Lucie Blais ◽

Anne Fillion ◽

Marie-France Beauchesne

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Airflow Obstruction ◽

Asthma Management ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Management Plan ◽

Oral Corticosteroids ◽

Tertiary Care Hospitals

BACKGROUND: The management of asthma remains suboptimal despite the publication of Canadian asthma guidelines in 1999.OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted to estimate the proportion of patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) for an asthma exacerbation who received a management plan at discharge that was in accordance with seven criteria stated in the Canadian asthma guidelines. The present study took place in two tertiary care hospitals in Montreal, Quebec.RESULTS: A total of 37 patients were enrolled. Three (8%) patients received a management plan at discharge that was in accordance with all seven criteria. Inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids were prescribed at discharge for 29 (78%) and 35 (95%) patients, respectively. Minimal asthma education was provided for 29 (78%) patients and a medical follow-up was recommended to 22 (60%) patients. Airflow obstruction was evaluated at discharge for only 20 (54%) patients.CONCLUSION: Overall, asthma management at discharge from the ED was generally not in accordance with the 1999 Canadian asthma guidelines. A standardized management plan should be implemented in the ED to improve the care of patients with asthma exacerbations.

Download Full-text