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Principles of managing children with asthma in the emergency department

Geoffrey R Hung1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Paediatrics & Child Health
|November 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric asthma exacerbations are common emergency department visits. Timely treatment with inhaled and systemic medications in the emergency department can successfully manage these events in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Paediatric asthma exacerbations represent a substantial burden on emergency department (ED) resources and pediatric hospitalizations.
  • Effective management in the ED can mitigate disease impact on children and families.
  • Early recognition of symptoms and prompt treatment are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review asthma pathophysiology.
  • To outline current ED treatment recommendations for pediatric asthma.
  • To discuss adjunct therapies, discharge planning, and follow-up.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of asthma pathophysiology.
  • Analysis of current clinical guidelines for ED asthma management.
  • Evaluation of evidence for adjunct therapies.
  • Emphasis on discharge and follow-up strategies.

Main Results:

  • Asthma pathophysiology involves airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
  • Standard inhaled and systemic medications are effective in the ED setting.
  • Controversies exist regarding the efficacy of certain adjunct therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Paediatric asthma exacerbations can be effectively managed in the ED.
  • Appropriate inhaled and systemic medications are key to successful treatment.
  • Comprehensive discharge planning and follow-up are essential components of care.

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