Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, in which many cells and cellular elements
play a role.
The chronic inflammation is associated with airway hyper-responsiveness that leads to :
1. Recurrent episodes of wheezing,
2. Breathlessness,
3. Chest tightness
4. Coughing, particularly at night and in the early morning.
These episodes are usually associated with widespread but variable airflow obstruction within the lung
that is often reversible, either spontaneously or with treatment.
Epidemiology
The prevalence of asthma increased steadily over the latter part of the last century, first in the
developed and then in the developing world.
Current estimates suggest that asthma affects 300 million people worldwide, with a predicted additional
100 million people affected by 2025.
Although the development and course of the disease, and the response to treatment, are influenced by :
1. Genetic determinants,
2. Environmental factors that’s explains the rapid rise in prevalence
To date, studies have explored the potential role of the following ……… but no clear consensus has
emerged
indoor and outdoor allergens,
microbial exposure,
diet,
vitamins,
breastfeeding,
tobacco smoke,
air pollution and
obesity
.
Asthma commonly starts in childhood between the ages of 3 and 5 years and may either worsen or
improve during adolescence.
Pathophysiology
**
Classically asthma chronic asthma
Airflow limitation which is usually reversible inflammation may be accompanied by
spontaneously or with treatment irreversible airflow limitation as a result of
Airway hyperresponsiveness to a wide range airway wall remodeling that may involve large
of stimuli and small airways and mucus impaction.
Bronchial inflammation with T lymphocytes,
mast cells,
eosinophils with associated plasma exudation,
oedema,
smooth muscle hypertrophy, matrix deposition,
mucus
plugging and epithelial damage.
**
Airway hyper-reactivity (AHR) –
The tendency for airways to narrow excessively in response to triggers that have little or no effect in
normal individuals – is integral to the diagnosis of asthma and appears to be related, to :
1. airway inflammation : not exclusively
2. The behavior of airway smooth muscle include the degree of airway narrowing
3. Neurogenic mechanisms.
Airway hyper-reactivity in asthma.
This is demonstrated by bronchial challenge tests with
sequentially increasing concentrations of either :
histamine,
methacholine
mannitol.
The reactivity of the airways is expressed as the concentration
or dose of either chemical required to produce a specific
decrease (usually 20%) in the FEV1 (PC20 or PD20 respectively).
Other methods !
BHR can also be assessed by :
exercise testing or
inhalation of cold dry air,
mannitol or hypertonic saline.
These are indirect tests that release endogenous mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins and
leukotrienes which then cause bronchoconstriction.
Indirect measures of BHR correlate more closely with symptoms and diurnal peak expiratory flow
rate (PEFR) variation than PC20 histamine or methacholine: both are useful in diagnosing asthma if
there is doubt and in guiding controller treatment.
Some patients also react to methacholine but at higher doses, e.g. those with:
attacks of asthma only on extreme exertion, e.g. winter sports enthusiasts
wheezing or prolonged periods of coughing following a viral infection
seasonal wheeze during the pollen season
allergic rhinitis, but not complaining of lower respiratory symptoms until specifically questioned
and some subjects with no respiratory symptoms.
Although the degree of BHR can be influenced by allergic mechanisms , its pathogenesis and mode of
inheritance involve a combination of airway inflammation and tissue remodelling.
**
The relationship between atopy (the propensity to produce IgE) and asthma is well established, and in
many individuals there is a clear relationship between sensitisation and allergen exposure, as
demonstrated by :
1. skin prick reactivity
2. elevated serum specific IgE.
Common examples of allergens include:
1. house dust mites,
2. pets such as cats and dogs,
3. pests such as cockroaches ,and fungi.
Inhalation of an allergen into the airway is followed by an early and late-phase bronchoconstrictor
response :
** Allergen-induced asthma
The experimental inhalation of allergen by atopic asthmatic individuals leads to the development of
different types of
reaction,.
Immediate asthma (early reaction) Dual and late-phase reactions.
Airflow limitation begins within minutes of Following an immediate reaction many asthmatics
contact with the allergen, reaches develop a more prolonged and sustained attack
its maximum in 15–20 minutes and subsides by 1 of airflow limitation that responds less well to
hour. inhalation of bronchodilator drugs such as
salbutamol.
Symptoms :
rhinoconjunctivitis often precede the development of asthma.
Dx :
1.skin testing or measurement of specific IgE.: When OA follows
exposure to high molecular weight proteins, sensitisation to the agent
2.Confirmation of OA should be sought from lung function tests, which
usually involves serial recording of peak flow at work, at least 4 times
per day for at least
3 weeks and, if possible, including a period away from work
In certain circumstances, specific challenge tests are required to confirm
the diagnosis.
Management :
It may be possible to remove the worker from the implicated agent but
when this is not feasible, consideration of personal protective
equipment and workplace hygiene may allow patients to retain their job
and income.
Specialist follow-up in such situations is highly advisable.
A favourable prognosis is indicated bya short history of symptoms and
normal lung functionat diagnosis.
Where reduction or avoidance of exposurefails to bring about
resolution, the general management does not differ from that of other
forms of asthma.
**Classification
Asthma is a complex disorder of the conducting airways that was often classified into extrinsic and
intrinsic asthma but there is considerable overlap.
Extrinsic asthma Intrinsic asthma
occurs most frequently in atopic individuals: often starts in middle age. / Non-atopic
i.e. those with positive skin-prick reactions to individuals
common inhalant allergens such as dust mite, But, many patients with adult-onset asthma show:
animal positive allergen skin tests and
danders, pollens and fungi; on close questioning some of these will
children adults give a history of childhood respiratory
90% of with persistent 70% of with persistent symptoms suggesting they have
asthma asthma extrinsic asthma.
accompanied by Sensitization to
eczema (atopic chemicals or biological Extrinsic causes such as :
dermatitis) products in the sensitization to occupational agents such
workplace is a as toluene diisocyanate,
frequently overlooked intolerance to NSAID such as aspirin or
cause of late-onset already on β-adrenoceptor-blocking
asthma agents for concurrent hypertension or
angina that block the protective effect of
endogenous adrenergic agonists. ( Past
drug history )
Extrinsic causes must be considered in all cases of asthma and, where possible, avoided.
Genes controlling the production of the 2.role of intestinal bacteria and childhood
cytokines IL-3, infections in shaping the immune system in early
IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13 and GM-CSF – which in life. It has been suggested that growing up in a
turn affect relatively ‘clean’ environment may predispose
mast and eosinophil cell development and towards an IgE response to allergens (the
longevity as ‘hygiene hypothesis’). Conversely, growing up in
well as IgE production – are present in a cluster a ‘dirtier’ environment may allow the immune
on system to avoid developing allergic responses.
chromosome 5q31-33 (the IL-4 gene cluster).
Polymorphic variation in proteins along the 3.Immunological factors : Components of
IL-4/-13 bacteria (e.g. lipopolysaccharide endotoxin,
signalling pathway is strongly associated with immunostimulatory CpG DNA sequences,
allergy flagellin), viruses (e.g. SS- and DS-RNA) and
and asthma. fungi (e.g. chiton, a cell wall component)
Novel asthma genes identified by positional stimulate various toll-like receptors (TLRs)
cloning expressed on immune and epithelial cells to direct
from whole genome scans are the PHF11 locus on the immune and inflammatory response away
chromosome 2 (that includes genes SETDB2 and from the allergic (Th2) towards protective
RCBTB1) and transcription factors, which are (Th1 and Treg) pathways.
implicated
in IgE synthesis and associated more with atopy ** Th1 immunity is associated with antimicrobial
than protective immunity whereas regulatory T cells
asthma. are strongly implicated in tolerance to allergens.
ADAM 33 (a disintegrin and ** Thus early life exposure to inhaled and
metalloproteinase) on ingested products of microorganisms, as occurs in
chromosome 20p13 is associated with airway livestock farming communities and developing
hyperresponsiveness and tissue remodelling. countries, may reduce the subsequent risk of a
child becoming allergic and/or developing
Other genes associated with asthma are those asthma.
that ** The allergens involved in allergic asthma are
encode neuropeptide S receptor (GPRA or similar to
GPR154) on those implicated in rhinitis although pollens are
chromosome 7p15, HLA-G on chromosome 6p21, relatively less
dipeptidyl peptidase 10 on chromosome 2q14 and implicated in asthma.
ORMDL3, a member of a gene family that ** The fungal spores from Aspergillus fumigatus
encodes cause
transmembrane proteins anchored in the a range of lung disorders, including asthma
endoplasmic Many allergens, including those from Aspergillus,
reticulum, on chromosome 17q21. have intrinsic
biological properties, e.g. enzymes with
proteolytic function which may increase their
sensitizing capacity
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of asthma is complex and not fully understood.
It involves a number of cells, mediators, nerves and vascular leakage that can be activated by several
different mechanisms, including exposure to allergens
The varying clinical severity and chronicity of asthma is dependent on an interplay between airway
inflammation and airway wall remodelling.
The inflammatory component is driven by Th2-type T lymphocytes which facilitate IgE synthesis
through production of IL-4 and eosinophilic inflammation through IL-5 .
However, as the disease becomes more severe and chronic and loses its sensitivity to
corticosteroids, there is greater evidence of a Th1 response with:
release of mediators such as TNF-α
and associated tissue damage,
mucous metaplasia and
aberrant epithelial and
mesenchymal repair.
Inflammation
Several key cells are involved in the inflammatory response that characterizes all types of asthma.
Mast cells These are increased in the epithelium, smooth muscle and mucous glands in asthma and
release powerful preformed and newly generated mediators that act on:
smooth muscle,
small blood vessels,
mucus secreting cells and
sensory nerves, such as histamine, tryptase, PGD2 and cysteinyl leukotrienes,
which cause the immediate asthmatic reaction.
Types Mediators
immediate asthmatic histamine, tryptase, PGD2 and cysteinyl leukotrienes
reaction.
late asthmatic Mast cells also release an array of cytokines, chemokines and
growth factors , that contribute to the response and more
chronic aspects of asthma
Eosinophils These are found in large numbers in the bronchial wall and secretions of asthmatics.
.
They are attracted to the airways by the:
a) eosinophilopoietic cytokines IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF
b) chemokines which act on type 3 C-C chemokine receptors (CCR-3) (i.e.
eotaxin, RANTES, MCP-1,
MCP-3 and MCP-4).
These mediators also prime eosinophils for enhanced mediator secretion. When
activated, eosinophils
release :
a) LTC4, and
b) basic proteins that are toxic to epithelial cells such as :
a. major basic protein (MBP),
b. eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and
c. eosinophils peroxidase (EPX).
Dendritic These cells are abundant in the mucous membranes of the airways and the alveoli.
cells and
lymphocyte Dendritic cells have a role in the initial uptake and presentation of allergens to
s lymphocytes.
T helper lymphocytes (CD4+) show evidence of:
a) activation and the release of their cytokines plays a key part in the migration
and activation of mast cells (IL-3, IL-4, IL-9 and IL-13) and eosinophils (IL-3,
IL-5, GM-CSF).
b) , production of IL-4 and IL-13 helps maintain the proallergic Th2 phenotype,
favouring switching of antibody production by B lymphocytes to IgE.
Remodelling
A characteristic feature of chronic asthma is an alteration of structure and functions of the formed
elements of the airways.
Together, these structural changes interact with inflammatory cells and mediators to cause the
characteristic features of the disease. :
Deposition of matrix proteins,
swelling and cellular infiltration expand the submucosa beneath the epithelium so that for a given
degree of smooth muscle shortening there is excess airway narrowing.
Swelling outside the smooth muscle layer spreads the retractile forces exerted by the surrounding
alveoli over a greater surface area so that the airways close more easily.
The In asthma the epithelium of the conducting airways is stressed and damaged
epithelium with loss of ciliated
. columnar cells.
Metaplasia occurs with a resultant increase in the number and activity of
mucus-secreting goblet cells.
The epithelium is a major source of mediators, cytokines and growth factors that
enhance inflammation and promote tissue remodelling .
**Increased production of nitric oxide (NO), due to the increased expression of inducible
NO synthase, is a feature of epithelial damage and activation.
The asthma gene ADAM33 has been. implicated in driving increased airway smooth
muscle and other features of remodelling through increased availability of growth
factors.
Nerves. Neural reflexes, both central and peripheral, contribute to the irritability of asthmatic
airways
Central involve stimulation of nerve endings in the epithelium and submucosa with
reflexe transmission of impulses via the spinal cord and brain back down to the
s airways where release of acetylcholine from nerve endings stimulates M3
receptors on smooth muscle causing contraction
Local involve antidromic neurotransmission and the release of a variety of
neural neuropeptides
reflexe
s Some of these are:
smooth muscle contractants (substance P, neurokinin A),
some are vasoconstrictors (e.g. calcitonin gene-related peptide, CGRP)
and
some vasodilators (e.g. neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal
polypeptide).
**
Clinical features
C.C Typical symptoms include :
1. recurrent episodes of wheezing,
2. chest tightness,
3. breathlessness
4. cough
Onset / Classical precipitants include :
triggering exercise, particularly in cold weather,
exposure to airborne allergens or pollutants,
viral upper respiratory tract infections
Cause Although the aetiology of asthma is often elusive, an attempt should be made to
identify any agents that may contribute to the appearance or aggravation of the
condition.
Particular enquiry should be made about potential allergens, such as exposure to a:
pet cat,
guinea pig,
rabbit or horse,
pest infestation,
exposure to moulds following water damage to a home or building,
and any potential occupational agents.
Timing Asthma characteristically displays a diurnal pattern, with symptoms and lung
function being worse in the early morning.
Particularly when poorly controlled, symptoms such as cough and wheeze disturb
sleep and have led to the term ‘nocturnal asthma’.
Associated Cough may be the dominant symptom in some patients, and the lack of wheeze or
symptoms breathlessness may lead to a delay in reaching the diagnosis of so-called ‘cough-
variant asthma’.
BUT “CAUTION” !
Some patients with asthma have a similar inflammatory response in the
upper airway.
Careful enquiry should be made as to a history of sinusitis, sinus headache, a
blocked or runny nose, and loss of sense of smell.
Previous Patients with mild intermittent asthma are usually asymptomatic between
health sate exacerbations.
“previously
healthy or Individuals with persistent asthma report ongoing breathlessness and wheeze, but
not” these are variable, with symptoms fluctuating over the course of one day, or from
day to day or month to month
Drug Beta-blockers,
aspirin and other (NSAIDs). even when administered topically as eye drops,
may induce bronchospasm,
The classical aspirin sensitive patient is :
1. female
2. middle age
3. with asthma,
4. rhinosinusitis and
5. nasal polyps.
Aspirin sensitive patients may also report symptoms following:
1. alcohol (in particular, white wine)
2. foods containing salicylates.
N.B : Asthma is commonly mistaken for a cold or chest infection which is taking time to resolve (e.g.
longer than 10 days).
Examination
1. Wheeze apart, there is often very little to find on examination.
2. An inspection for nasal polyps and eczema should be performed. Rarely, a vasculitic rash may
suggest Churg– Strauss syndrome
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of asthma is predominantly clinical and based on a characteristic history.
Supportive evidence is provided by the demonstration of variable airflow obstruction, preferably
by using spirometry to measure FEV1 and VC. , This :
o identifies the obstructive defect,
o defines its severity,
o provides a baseline for bronchodilator reversibility
** If spirometry is not available, a peak flow meter may be used.
** Patients should be instructed to record peak flow readings after rising in the morning and before
retiring in the evening.
A diurnal variation in PEF of more than 20% (the lowest values typically being recorded in the
morning) is considered diagnostic, and the magnitude of variability provides some indication of disease
severity
A trial of corticosteroids (e.g. 30 mg daily for 2 weeks) may be useful in establishing the
diagnosis, by demonstrating an improvement in either FEV1 or PEF.
It is common for patients whose symptoms are suggestive of asthma to have normal lung
function.
o In these circumstances, the demonstration of AHR by challenge tests may be useful to confirm the
diagnosis
o AHR is sensitive but non-specific: it has a high negative predictive value but positive results may be
seen in other conditions, such as COPD, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis.
o When symptoms are predominantly related to exercise, an exercise challenge may be followed by a
drop in lung function
Reversibility test
Other investigations
Measurement of allergic status: the presence of atopy may be demonstrated by ;
skin prick tests
the measurement of
total and allergen-
specific IgE.
A full blood
picture may show
the peripheral
blood eosinophilia
Radiological examination:
chest X-ray
appearances are
often normal
show
hyperinflation of
lung fields
the presence of
flitting infiltrates,
may suggest that
asthma has been
complicated by
allergic
bronchopulmonar
y aspergillosis
HRCT scan may
be useful to detect
bronchiectasis.
exhaled breath
nitric oxide
concentration
(FENO) may
support the
diagnosis but is
non-specific
Management
Setting goals
Asthma is a chronic condition but may be controlled with appropriate treatment in the majority of
patients.
The goal of treatment should be to obtain and maintain complete control, but aims may be modified
according to the circumstances and the patient.
Whenever possible, patients should be encouraged to take responsibility for managing their own
disease.
o A full explanation of the :
o nature of the condition,
o the relationship between symptoms and inflammation,
o the importance of key symptoms such as nocturnal waking,
o the different types of medication, and,
o if appropriate, the use of PEF to guide management decisions,
A variety of tools/questionnaires have been validated to assist in assessing asthma control.
Written action plans can be helpful in developing self management skills.
Spacers
These are plastic cones or spheres inserted between the patient’s mouth and the inhaler. Some
inhalers have a built-in spacer extension. These are designed to reduce particle velocity so that
less drug is deposited in the mouth.
Spacers also diminish the need for coordination between aerosol activation and inhalation.
They are useful in children and in the elderly and reduce the risk of candidiasis
For adults, a reasonable starting dose is 400 μg beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) or equivalent per day
in adults, although higher doses may be required in smokers. Alternative but much less effective
preventive agents include chromones, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and theophyllines.
A further increase in the dose of ICS may benefit some patients but, in general, add-on therapy
should be considered in adults taking 800 μg/day BDP (or equivalent).
Step 4: Poor control on moderate dose of inhaled steroid and add-on therapy: addition of a fourth drug
1. In adults, the dose of ICS may be increased to 2000 μg BDP/BUD (or equivalent) daily.
2. A nasal corticosteroid preparation should be used in patients with prominent upper airway
symptoms.
3. Oral therapy with leukotriene receptor antagonists,
4. theophyllines or
5. a slow-release β2- agonist may be considered.
If the trial of add-on therapy is ineffective, it should be discontinued.
6. Oral itraconazole may be contemplated in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Step-down therapy
Once asthma control is established, the dose of inhaled (or oral) corticosteroid should be
titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of asthma is maintained.
Decreasing the dose of ICS by around 25–50% every 3 months is a reasonable strategy for most
patients.
Exacerbations of asthma
The course of asthma may be punctuated by exacerbations with :
increased symptoms,
deterioration in lung function,
and an increase in airway inflammation.
Causes :
Exacerbations are most commonly precipitated by viral infections,
moulds (Alternaria and Cladosporium),
pollens (particularly following thunderstorms) and air pollution are also implicated.
Clinical picture :
Most attacks are characterised by a gradual deterioration over several hours to days
but some appear to occur with little or no warning: so-called brittle asthma.
Management for brittle
Optimization of standard therapy
Emergency supplies of medications at home, in the car and at work
Oxygen and resuscitation equipment at home and at work
Nebulized β2-adrenoceptor agonists at home and at work
Self-injectable adrenaline (epinephrine): two autoinjectors of 0.3 mg adrenaline at home, at work and
to be carried by the patient at all times
Prednisolone tablets 60 mg
Medic Alert bracelet.
** On developing wheeze, the patient should attend the nearest hospital immediately. Direct admission to
intensive care may be required.
An important minority of patients appear to have a blunted perception of airway narrowing and fail to
appreciate the early signs of deterioration.
Management of mild to moderate exacerbations
Doubling the dose of ICS does not prevent an impending exacerbation.
Short courses of ‘rescue’ oral corticosteroids (prednisolone 30–60 mg daily) therefore are
often required to regain control.
Tapering of the dose to withdraw treatment is not necessary, unless given for more than 3
weeks.
• PEF 33–50% predicted (< 200 • PEF < 33% predicted (< 100 • Raised PaCO2 and/or
L/min) L/min) requiring mechanical ventilation
• Respiratory rate ≥ 25 • SpO2 < 92% or PaO2 < 8 kPa with
breaths/min (60 mmHg) (especially if being raised inflation pressures
• Heart rate ≥ 110 beats/min treated
• Inability to complete sentences with oxygen)
in 1 breath • Normal or raised PaCO2
• Silent chest
• Cyanosis
• Feeble respiratory effort
• Bradycardia or arrhythmias
• Hypotension
• Exhaustion
• Confusion
• Coma
Measurement of PEF is mandatory, unless the patient is too ill to cooperate, and is most easily
interpreted when expressed as a percentage of the predicted normal or of the previous best value obtained
on optimal treatment .
Arterial blood gas analysis is essential to determine the PaCO2,
o a normal or elevated level being particularly dangerous.
A chest X-ray is not immediately necessary, unless pneumothorax is suspected.
• Oxygen. High concentrations (humidified if possible) should be administered to maintain the oxygen
saturation above 92% in adults. The presence of a high PaCO2 should not be taken as an indication to
reduce oxygen concentration, but as a warning sign of a severe or life-threatening attack.
Failure to achieve appropriate oxygenation is an indication for assisted ventilation.
Continuous5-10mg/H can be given
• High doses of inhaled bronchodilators.
a. Short-acting β2-agonists are the agent of choice. In hospital, they are most conveniently given
via a nebuliser driven by oxygen, but delivery of multiple doses of salbutamol via a metered-
dose inhaler through a spacer device provides equivalent bronchodilatation and can be used in
primary care. Make sure no contraindication such as tachycardia
ICU perspective
Terbutalin Salbutamol Epinephrine!!!
2.5-5 mg SC 15 mcg/kg IV bolus (0.2-0.3 mg 1/1000)
250-500 mcg IV bolus.. 1-2mcg/kg/min Infusion Although it is arrythmogenic
1.5-5 mcg/min infusion
• Systemic corticosteroids. These reduce the inflammatory response and hasten the resolution of an
exacerbation. They should be administered to all patients with an acute severe attack. They can
usually be administered orally as prednisolone, but intravenous hydrocortisone may be used in patients
who are vomiting or unable to swallow. inhaled steroids must not be used because dose required 400mg /D of
hydrocortisone , while the inhaler dosent contain that high dose
Other medications
a. There is no evidence base for the use of intravenous fluids but many patients are dehydrated due
to high insensible water loss and will probably benefit.
b. Potassium supplements may be necessary, as repeated doses of salbutamol can lower serum
potassium.
c. Intravenous magnesium may provide additional bronchodilatation in patients whose presenting
PEF is below 30% predicted. Given as single dose infusion over 20 minutes , no clear mechanism of
action, given only once , no data suggest repearting the dose
d. Some patients appear to benefit from the use of intravenous aminophylline but cardiac
monitoring is recommended.but you have to keep monitoring serum level because of its S/E
Procedures
PEF should be recorded every 15–30 minutes and then every 4–6 hours.
Pulse oximetry should ensure that SaO2 remains above 92%,
repeat arterial blood gases are necessary if the initial PaCO2 measurements were normal or
raised, the PaO2 was below 8 kPa (60 mmHg), or the patient deteriorates.
Lists the indications for endotracheal intubation and intermittent positive pressure ventilation.
• Coma
• Respiratory arrest
• Deterioration of arterial blood gas tensions despite optimal therapy
PaO2 < 8 kPa (60 mmHg) and falling
PaCO2 > 6 kPa (45 mmHg) and rising
pH low and falling (H+ high and rising)
• Exhaustion, confusion, drowsiness
Non Invasive Mask Ventilation
Can be tried with avoidance of intubation
But it is veryriskyin cases of exhaustion, coma, ornear respiratory arrest
Intubation &Assisted MV should be instituted without delay to avoid unnecessary fatal complications
Ketamine
Sub-dissociative dose IV Ketamine(0.1 mg/kg followed by IV infusion of .5 mg/kg/hour for 3 hours)
may be helpful to facilitate use of BiPAPin a hypoxic/combative patient
If you have gotten to this step you should start setting up for intubation at this point in case the patient
continues to deteriorate.
Assisted MV lifethreatening asthma
Traditionallyknown to be associated with high mortality ;
1) Severe non responsive to R
2) Complications ( Disease & R )
3) Difficult to ventilate…complications
Asthma mechanical ventilation setting
RR 6-8 / min
Tv 6 ml/kg
Inspiratory flow rate 100/ min
I:E >1: 4
Fio2 90%
PEEP 0-3 mmhg
Dynamic Hyper-inflation
↑ Airway resistance......Air trapping ..iPEEP……. Dynamic hyperinflation… ….Baro-trauma…
Permissive Hypercapnea
Low tidal volume 6-8 ml/kg
Low ventilator rate (8–10 breaths/min)
Long expiratory time (I:E ratio >1:2)
Set inspiratory pressure 30–35 cm H2O on pressure control ventilation or limit peak inspiratory
pressure to <40 cm H2O
↓↓ Mortality from 8%-0.4%
Hypercapneacan be tolerated even to high levels as long as pH can be maintained around 7.2even by
giving Sodium bicarbonateto correct acidosis
Any attempt to increase minute ventilation(to reduce PaCO2) by ↑the ventilator respiratory rate
invariably reducesthe expiratory timeand I:E ratio, increases air trappingand can lead to
graveconsequences
Hydration
Despitethere is notrialsconducted on fluid therapy in acute severe asthma…. Yet;
Dehydration….sticky secretion..
Rehydration& correction of electrolyte abnormalities (hypokalemia) is recommended
Radiology
Notroutinely indicated
Suspected Infection….
Suspected Pneumothorax…..
Failureto respond… & Requiring MV…..
Antibiotics
Routine prescription is NOTindicated
Prognosis
The outcome from acute severe asthma is generally good. Death is
fortunately rare but a considerable number of deaths occur in young
people and many are preventable.
Most patients who died of asthma had chronically Severe
Asthma
Most Deaths occurred before arrival / or hospital admission
Failure to recognise the severity of an attack, on the part of either the
assessing physician or the patient, contributes to delay in delivering
appropriate therapy and to under-treatment.