Acute severe asthma: Part 2. Current therapy

Acute severe asthma is an extremely common and serious public health problem in the United States. Current optimum therapy of acute severe asthma includes supplemental oxygenation, nebulized beta-adrenergic receptor agonist therapy, and prompt use of glucocorticosteroids. In view of its low therapeutic index and the availability of more effective, less toxic agents, theophylline is no longer considered a first-line treatment. Ipratropium bromide combined with beta-agonist may augment bronchodilator responsiveness.