[Asthma exacerbation]

The definition of asthma exacerbation is not univocal. The criteria which currently characterize asthma exacerbation are clinical and functional, and imply a destabilization of the asthmatic disease for more than 24 hours, with no return to the initial condition, which requires a treatment change. Bronchial inflammation precedes and is associated with asthma exacerbation. Exacerbation is induced by infectious, irritating or allergenic triggering factors associated with a specific immunogenetic susceptibility. Disease stabilization, which requires an adequate long-term treatment, associating inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-2 mimetics, as well as the management of triggering factors and comorbidities, allows to limit the number of exacerbations. In the event of an exacerbation, the quick systemic administration of corticosteroids reduces the number of hospitalizations.