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Management of acute asthma in the pediatric patient: an evidence-based review

Brittany Pardue Jones1, Audrey Paul

  • 1Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA.

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice
|August 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Emergency care for pediatric asthma requires understanding acute management. This review covers inhaled bronchodilators, systemic steroids, and adjunct therapies for children with asthma exacerbations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Clinical Therapeutics

Background:

  • Asthma is a leading chronic childhood illness, causing over 2 million annual emergency department visits.
  • Pediatric asthma exacerbations range from mild to life-threatening, necessitating expert emergency management.
  • Effective acute asthma care is crucial for preventing severe outcomes in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on the evaluation and treatment of pediatric asthma in emergency settings.
  • To provide emergency clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of acute asthma management strategies.
  • To highlight first-line therapies and explore adjunct interventions for refractory cases.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of current evidence on pediatric asthma management in emergency departments.
  • Analysis of treatment modalities including inhaled bronchodilators and systemic steroids.
  • Evaluation of adjunct therapies and interventions for acute asthma exacerbations.

Main Results:

  • Inhaled bronchodilators and systemic steroids are established first-line treatments for pediatric asthma.
  • Adjunct therapies offer options for patients not responding to initial treatments.
  • Evidence varies for different interventions, guiding clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

  • Emergency clinicians must master acute pediatric asthma management.
  • A thorough understanding of evidence-based treatments is vital for optimal patient outcomes.
  • This review synthesizes current knowledge to support effective emergency care for childhood asthma.

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