"Noninvasive" oral treatment of asthma in the emergency room

One hundred forty consecutive patients with acute asthmatic episodes presenting to the emergency room were studied prospectively to assess the efficacy of oral therapy. After the emergency room staff was oriented to the pharmacologic action of hydroalcoholic elixir of theophylline, oral terbutaline, and a metered-dose hand-held nebulizer (metaproterenol), use of oral therapy as initial therapy rose from 12 percent to 76 percent (p = 0.005). More than half of these patients were discharged without receiving any of the traditional more invasive therapies of subcutaneous epinephrine, intravenous hydrating fluids with aminophylline, and machine-delivered sympathomimetic aerosols. Oral therapy did not substantially alter the total time spent in the emergency room. Only 4 percent treated with oral therapy required further treatment in the emergency room within 48 hours; 2 percent vomited after treatment. Oral therapy is safe and effective for most asthmatic patients presenting to the emergency room, as they generally are undermedicated with regard to theophyllines and sympathomimetic drugs. Use of oral therapy in the emergency room is a potent tool for educating asthmatic patients in the use of medication available for home use. The patients who require emergency room treatment despite being well-medicated at home (a small minority) need a higher level of care including intermittent positive-pressure breathing, corticosteroids, and often hospitalization.