Principles of Critical Care > Part IV. Pulmonary Disorders > Chapter 40. Status Asthmaticus Thomas Corbridge,  Jesse B. Hall

Key Points

"Asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, cough, hyperreactive airways, and reversible airflow obstruction.^1–3 In the vast majority of cases, the disease is managed uneventfully in the ambulatory setting. However, severe attacks and death can occur regardless of severity classification, and in some cases there is little warning before a terminal event.⁴ Deaths often occur outside the hospital; patients who have not arrested prior to emergency department (ED) arrival generally have a good prognosis.⁵ Underestimation of severity, a gap in communication between health care provider and patient, airway inflammation (even in mild disease), and failure to use inhaled corticosteroids all contribute to asthma morbidity and mortality.^6–10..."