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Asthma-related emergency department use: current perspectives
Laurie H Johnson1, Patricia Chambers1, Judith W Dexheimer2
1Division of Emergency Medicine.
Insights
Pediatric asthma exacerbations frequently lead to emergency department visits. This review explores emergency medicine asthma care, highlighting resources for improved patient management and a medical home.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Asthma is a leading chronic pediatric illness, frequently causing emergency department (ED) visits for acute exacerbations.
- Many pediatric asthma patients lack consistent primary care, increasing reliance on EDs for treatment.
- Effective asthma management requires addressing acute symptoms, long-term control, and environmental triggers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of asthma research within US emergency medicine.
- To identify and discuss resources aimed at improving care for pediatric asthma exacerbations.
- To explore strategies for establishing a medical home for these patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of asthma research in emergency medicine.
- Analysis of existing national and international asthma care guidelines.
- Examination of tools designed to enhance emergency, home, and preventive asthma care.
Main Results:
- Asthma care in the ED is complex, involving acute treatment and long-term strategies.
- Guidelines and various tools support clinicians and patients in managing asthma.
- Focus on integrated care models can improve outcomes for children with asthma.
Conclusions:
- Emergency departments play a critical role in managing pediatric asthma exacerbations.
- Utilizing evidence-based guidelines and supportive tools is essential for quality care.
- Enhancing access to a medical home is crucial for comprehensive, long-term asthma management in children.
Abstract:
Asthma is one of the most common chronic pediatric diseases. Patients with asthma often present to the emergency department for treatment for acute exacerbations. These patients may not have a primary care physician or primary care home, and thus are seeking care in the emergency department. Asthma care in the emergency department is multifaceted to treat asthma patients appropriately and provide quality care. National and international guidelines exist to help drive clinical care. Electronic and paper-based tools exist for both physicians and patients to help improve emergency, home, and preventive care. Treatment of patients with asthma should include the acute exacerbation, long-term management of controller medications, and controlling triggers in the home environment. We will address the current state of asthma research in emergency medicine in the US, and discuss some of the resources being used to help provide a medical home and improve care for patients who suffer from acute asthma exacerbations.
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