Face-mask CPAP and sodium bicarbonate infusion in acute, severe asthma and metabolic acidosis.

A patient with a history of previous mechanical ventilation for asthma was hospitalized with acute, severe asthma; metabolic acidosis; and hyperlactatemia. In addition to standard therapy, she was successfully treated with face-mask CPAP and IV sodium bicarbonate infusion. This therapy may help prevent mechanical ventilation in some patients with acute, severe asthma and lactic acidosis.