Management of the critically ill asthmatic patient.

Status asthmaticus is a life-threatening condition characterized by rapid or inexorable progression of airflow obstruction that may lead to respiratory failure. It must be distinguished from other causes of dyspnea with signs of airflow limitation, and therapy must then be directed at relief of bronchospasm and airway inflammation, with use of multiple pharmacologic agents. Patients require moment-to-moment assessment until airway disease reverses. During this early portion of their course, intubation and mechanical ventilation may be required. Successful management on the ventilator requires an understanding of underlying abnormalities of lung mechanics and the interaction of the lungs and circulation.