Critical care management of the asthmatic patient

The incidence and severity of asthma continue to increase despite advances in therapy. Two types of severe asthma exacerbations have been described: "sudden onset" and "slow onset." Beta-adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids are still the mainstay of therapy in the intensive care unit. Hypercapnic hypoventilation is advocated as a mode of mechanical ventilation to maintain oxygenation while minimizing barotrauma. Sedating and paralytic agents must be used with caution to prevent complications such as myopathy, which may occur with prolonged use of these agents. Future avenues of study could include the use of leukotriene and platelet-activating factor inhibitors. Asthma management guidelines should be practiced to prevent worsening of bronchospasm to the point of severe exacerbation.