ABSTRACT
In most cases of life-threatening respiratory distress, endotracheal intubation is a rapid and appropriate way of avoiding catastrophe with relatively little adverse consequence. In the case of the asthmatic patient, however, endotracheal intubation creates its own set of difficult problems. The decision to intubate the asthmatic patient in the emergency department (ED) requires a refined judgment of risks and benefits that is, essentially, unique. Controversy exists with respect to the decision to intubate, the method of intubation, and postintubation management.
