ABSTRACT

A 5-year-old boy was diagnosed with asthma aged 3 years. He presented to accident and emergency with shortness of breath, increased work of breathing and a 1-week history of coryzal illness and fever. On examination he is tachypnoeic 60/ min, tachycardia 160 bpm and has minimal air entry bilaterally. He has intercostal recession, tracheal tug and is too breathless to complete a sentence. Oxygen saturation is 90 per cent in air. What is the initial management of this boy?