ABSTRACT
The clinical presentation of an acute asthma exacerbation varies considerably, from the mildest of perceived symptoms with little objective evidence to the dramatic presentation of true ‘‘status asthmaticus,’’ which can frighten the most experienced clinician. The severity of the episode may change abruptly even during aggressive treatment, and, although asthma severity is usually classified to formulate appropriate management plans, the clinical course of acute asthma may not be predictable. Patients with occasional symptoms may experience sudden severe life-threatening episodes. The emergency evaluation of a patient presenting with an acute asthma exacerbation, therefore, must be directed towards aggressive and immediate therapy. However brief the initial assessment may be, the preliminary evaluation must be comprehensive enough to diagnose probable asthma and assess the risk of impending respiratory failure and the need for endotracheal intubation.
