[Bronchodilating inhalation anesthetics in bronchial asthma and status asthmaticus]

On the basis of a review of the literature, a survey is presented concerning the use of halogenated inhalational anaesthetics (halothane, enflurane, isoflurane) in anaesthesia of asthmatic patients and in intensive care units in the treatment of status asthmaticus refractory to maximal standard therapy. Particular emphasis is placed on the bronchospasmolytic, cardiovascular and organotoxic effect of the anaesthetics. It is concluded that halogenated inhalational anaesthetics are established as bronchospasmolytics, and that their use in bronchospastic disease should be individualized to the patient and his other specific disease process.