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Clinical review: Mechanical ventilation in severe asthma
David R Stather1, Thomas E Stewart
1InterDepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. davestather@yahoo.ca
Critical Care (London, England)
|December 17, 2005
Summary
Severe asthma respiratory failure can worsen with mechanical ventilation due to gas-trapping. Understanding this complication helps clinicians improve patient outcomes by managing ventilation strategies effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Severe asthma can lead to respiratory failure, a life-threatening condition.
- Gas-trapping is a common complication during mechanical ventilation, particularly in patients with severe airflow limitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of gas-trapping during mechanical ventilation in severe asthma.
- To discuss methods for measuring gas-trapping.
- To outline strategies for limiting gas-trapping severity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on mechanical ventilation in severe asthma.
- Discussion of gas-trapping pathophysiology.
- Overview of measurement techniques and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Mechanical ventilation can precipitate or exacerbate gas-trapping in severe asthma patients.
- Specific techniques exist to measure gas-trapping.
- Clinical strategies can be employed to mitigate gas-trapping.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of gas-trapping during mechanical ventilation is crucial for managing severe asthma.
- Implementing appropriate ventilation strategies can reduce poor outcomes associated with this complication.