Management of acute asthma.

The principal goal of treatment of the acute exacerbation of asthma is the rapid reversal of the airway obstruction which is best accomplished by the frequent administration of inhaled beta 2-agonists. In addition, the early addition of systemic corticosteroids improves the response in patients who incompletely respond to beta 2-agonists. If present, hypoxemia should be corrected with administration of supplemental oxygen. Close monitoring of the patient's response to treatment is essential and if the patient is over 4 years of age and can cooperate, this should include peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement.