Acute asthma. Emergency management in the community.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of asthma in Australia is one of the highest in the world. Statistics suggest that two million or more Australians across all age groups have the disease. It is one of the top five medical problems referred to hospital and one of the commonest presentations seen in emergency departments. Asthma was the cause of death of 685 Australians in 1998. All general practitioners will have a cohort of asthmatics in their practice and consequently must be prepared to manage these people at any time, but especially at times of acute exacerbation.

OBJECTIVE

To outline the features of acute asthma and its management in the community setting.

DISCUSSION

General practitioners have a crucial role to play in the community and prehospital management of asthma. An awareness of the features and treatment of acute exacerbations will help them reduce an enormous burden on the health system and contribute to a reduction in morbidity and mortality in their patients.