Emergency department management of pediatric acute asthma: an evidence-based review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Pulmonology
• Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

• Asthma remains the most prevalent chronic childhood illness, frequently necessitating emergency department visits despite home management strategies.
• Effective emergency care for acute asthma exacerbations is crucial for pediatric patient outcomes.
• Current management guidelines are reviewed to address moderate to severe pediatric asthma attacks.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current evidence-based recommendations for emergency department (ED) management of pediatric asthma.
• It examines the role of timely bronchodilator and systemic corticosteroid administration.
• Adjunct therapies and emerging challenges, including vaping and COVID-19, are also discussed.

Key Points:

• Evidence-based recommendations for managing moderate to severe acute asthma in children presenting to the emergency department.
• Emphasis on timely administration of bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids.
• Discussion of novel challenges such as asthma exacerbations linked to vaping and COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing emergency department care for pediatric asthma exacerbations is essential.
• The review provides a framework for clinicians managing acute pediatric asthma.
• Addressing new factors like vaping and COVID-19 is critical for comprehensive asthma management.