ASTHMA - STATUS ASTHMATICUS See also Asthma | Bronchitis/ COPD | Asthma/COPD Rx
ABG & chest x ray, bedside spirometry, etc.
* Identify & correct precipitating cause.
A. Bronchodilator Rx
B. Glucocorticoid Rx: IV Solumedrol 60-125 mg q6h initially
C. Bronchoscopic removal of mucus plug may be needed.
D. Mechanical ventilator, if:
1. Continuous increase in pCO2 after Rx
2. Continuous deterioration of clinical status, pO2 after Rx
3. Impending respiratory muscle exhaustion
4. Obtundation or coma occurs.
Consider Noninvasive ventilation support as nasal mask/CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or BiPAP bilevel positive airway pressure) with inspiratory pressure of 10 cmH2O and expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O, adjust by increment of 3 cm H2O to keep paO2 > 90%.
Contraindications to CPAP or BiPAP:
acute facial trauma, agitation, allergy or hypersensitivity to the mask material,
coma, excessive airway secretions, hemodynamic instability, high risk of
aspiration, inability to cooperate, inability to maintain life-sustaining
ventilation if the mask becomes displace, marked cardiac dysrrhythmias, suspected
laryngeal or upper airway injury, unstable ventilatory drive.
E. Miscellaneous: * ?? IV infusion of 1.2 gm of magnesium sulfate in 50 ml saline. (JAMA 9/1/89;262:1210 Skobeloff Medical College of Pennsylvania)
F. Supportive care: 1. O2 supplement 2. Hydration 3. Antibiotics if there is suspected infection
04182001