[Asthma: treatment of exacerbations]

Exacerbations remain, in both adults and children, a common reason for emergency consultation. The management of the asthmatic patient with an acute exacerbation is well defined.

The initial evaluation, based on the background risk factors and the clinical examination, will determine the choice of treatment and management. Treatment is based on bronchodilators and corticosteroids in the majority of cases.

An episode of exacerbation may be the opportunity to establish contact with the patient (an educational approach) to improve the adherence to long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, which remain the best way of preventing future exacerbations.

Early and appropriate management of exacerbations of asthma should reduce asthma morbidity and mortality. It could also reduce the socioeconomic costs of these episodes and the number and duration of hospital admissions.