MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE ASTHMA IN CHILDREN

The occurrence of an acute exacerbation of asthma frequently reflects failure of a first line treatment that has to be reconsidered. Severe episodes of acute asthma are often related to non-recognition of signs of gravity, inadequate treatment and/or delayed access to an emergenc y department. Several consensus conferences have established guideline s for management of asthma attacks in the patient's home, and have def ined the symptoms which should lead the physician to refer the patient to an emergency department and the criteria of hospitalization when t he patient does not respond properly to the treatment. Guidelines for management of acute asthma based on the currently recommended therapeu tic schedules are presented.