Murphy S, Kelly H W
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
Pediatrician. 1991;18(4):287-300.
The principal goal of treatment of the acute exacerbation of asthma is the rapid reversal of the airway obstruction which is best accomplished by the frequent administration of inhaled beta 2-agonists. In addition, the early addition of systemic corticosteroids improves the response in patients who incompletely respond to beta 2-agonists. If present, hypoxemia should be corrected with administration of supplemental oxygen. Close monitoring of the patient's response to treatment is essential and if the patient is over 4 years of age and can cooperate, this should include peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement.
