ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of a 20-year-old woman who is brought in as a 'priority call' to the Emergency Department (ED). She has become increasingly short of breath over the last few hours and complains of a 'tight' feeling in her chest. The history and examination findings in this patient are suggestive of an acute exacerbation of asthma. Asthma is a condition characterised by airway obstruction due to bronchial smooth muscle constriction and inflammation that is at least partly reversible. The severity of an asthma exacerbation is based upon objective parameters and should always be evaluated in any asthmatic presenting to the ED. Arguably the most important aspect of managing acute severe asthma is monitoring response to interventions. Regular measurements of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and blood gases, together with clinical assessment are required to ensure that patients who are not responding adequately are identified promptly.
