[Asthma bronchiale - Emergency medical treatment]

Treatment of patients with acute severe or life-threatening asthma in the emergency department or in rescue services is a challenge for the physician. The decision on which therapy is needed depends on the clinical assessment of severity. Early administration of bronchodilators, ipratropium bromide and oral or intravenous corticosteroids is the cornerstone of treatment. If these treatments fail, systemic administration of bronchodilators, MgSO4 and theophylline should be carried in order to avoid intubation. Patients with incomplete or poor response should stay in hospital.