Box 7.1.

Key recommendations of acute asthma management

Assess the severity of the attack based on the degree of dyspnea, pulse rate, respiratory rate, peak expiratory flow rate, and oxygen saturation

Start treatment immediately by repeated administration of salbutamol, controlled oxygen concentration and systemic steroid

Review response to treatment after 1 h of continuous therapy

Consider other therapy (ipratropium bromide and magnesium sulfate) in severe attacks

DO NOT request routine CXR or blood gases routinely unless indicated

DO NOT prescribe routine antibiotics or sedatives

Evaluate the need of hospital admission based on response to therapy, history of previous admission, and the ability to manage at home

CXR: Chest X-ray