Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Management of severe asthma exacerbation in children
Xiao-Fang Wang1, Jian-Guo Hong
1Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, China.
Insights
Severe asthma exacerbation in children requires prompt treatment with bronchodilators and steroids. Further research is needed to optimize therapies for pediatric severe asthma attacks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent childhood illness.
- Acute severe asthma exacerbations pose life-threatening risks in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding severe asthma exacerbation in children.
- To cover risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature search conducted on PubMed.
- Keywords included "asthma", "children", and "severe asthma exacerbation".
Main Results:
- Aggressive treatment involves beta2-agonists, anticholinergics, and corticosteroids.
- Early inhaled beta-agonists and systemic steroids are recommended.
- Magnesium, aminophylline, and mechanical ventilation strategies (low tidal volume, permissive hypercapnia) offer therapeutic benefits.
Conclusions:
- Continued research into risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment is essential.
- More randomized controlled trials are needed to assess standard and novel therapies for pediatric severe asthma.
Background:
Asthma is a common disease in children and acute severe asthma exacerbation can be life-threatening. This article aims to review recent advances in understanding of risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of severe asthma exacerbation in children.
Data Sources:
Articles concerning severe asthma exacerbation in children were retrieved from PubMed. Literatures were searched with MeSH words "asthma", "children", "severe asthma exacerbation" and relevant cross references.
Results:
Severe asthma exacerbation in children requires aggressive treatments with β2-agonists, anticholinergics, and corticosteroids. Early initiation of inhaled β-agonists and systemic use of steroids are recommended. Other agents such as magnesium and aminophylline have some therapeutic benefits. When intubation and mechanical ventilation are needed, low tidal volume, controlled hypoventilation with lower-than-traditional respiratory rates and permissive hypercapnia can be applied.
Conclusions:
Researchers should continue to detect the risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of severe asthma exacerbation in children. More studies especially randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of standard and new therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...