Status asthmaticus overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Status asthmaticus is an medical emergency caused by an acute exacerbation of asthma that does not respond to standard bronchodilator and corticosteroid therapy. Symptoms include chest tightness, rapidly progressive dyspnea, non-productive cough and wheezing. Status asthmaticus if left untreated may result in severe bronchospasm, mucus plugging and rapidly develops acidosis and respiratory failure as a consequent of carbon di oxide retention and hypoxemia.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Approximately 10% of the US population is affected by asthma and an increased prevalence of 60% is observed in all age groups, with status asthmaticus requiring the highest rates of hospitalization.[1]
References
- ↑ Gorelick M, Scribano PV, Stevens MW, Schultz T, Shults J (2008) Predicting need for hospitalization in acute pediatric asthma. Pediatr Emerg Care 24 (11):735-44. DOI:10.1097/PEC.0b013e31818c268f PMID: 18955910