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Radiographic features in 1016 adults admitted to hospital with acute asthma
C M Pickup1, P A Nee, P E Randall
1North Manchester General Hospital, Crumpsall.
Journal of Accident & Emergency Medicine
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Chest X-rays reveal significant abnormalities in about 15% of adults hospitalized for acute asthma. This study highlights the importance of chest radiography for hospitalized asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Acute asthma exacerbations often necessitate hospitalization.
- The role of routine chest radiography in hospitalized asthma patients remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and types of radiographic abnormalities in adults admitted for acute asthma.
- To evaluate the clinical significance of these findings in guiding patient management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of radiographic features in 1016 adult patients hospitalized with acute asthma over a 4-year period.
- Classification of radiographic findings into five categories: normal, obstructive lung disease, complications, unimportant incidental findings, and important incidental findings.
Main Results:
- 52.9% of patients had normal chest X-rays.
- 31.8% showed features of obstructive lung disease.
- 8.2% had complications (e.g., infection, atelectasis, pneumothorax).
- 6.7% had important incidental findings (e.g., tuberculosis, heart failure, neoplasm).
- Overall, approximately 15% of patients had clinically significant radiographic abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Admission chest radiography is indicated for adults hospitalized with acute asthma due to a notable incidence of significant abnormalities.
- Radiographic findings can reveal complications or co-existing conditions impacting asthma management.