Status Asthmaticus: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

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Table Contents Definition Introduction Symptoms of Status Asthmaticus Causes of Status Asthmaticus Complications of Status Asthmaticus Prevention of Status Asthmaticus Diagnosis of Status Asthmaticus Treatment of Status Asthmaticus Conclusion 2

Definition Status asthmaticus is respiratory failure that comes with the worst form of acute severe asthma, or an asthma attack. 3

Introduction If an attack comes on quickly and it doesn t respond to regular treatment, it can lead to status asthmaticus, If it happens, you may have to go to the hospital to get it treated. If you have a bad asthma attack and your rescue inhaler or your nebulizer doesn't help, you need medical care right away. If you have a steroid medicine at home (such as prednisone), you can take a dose of it on your way to the emergency room. 4

Symptoms of Status Asthmaticus 5

Causes of Status Asthmaticus You don t often see your doctor, so your asthma isn t under good control. You come in contact with your asthma triggers or things you re allergic to. You don t use your peak flow meter and asthma medicines as directed by your doctor in your asthma action plan. 6

Causes of Status Asthmaticus But it s usually caused by the same triggers that contribute to traditional asthma attacks, which include: Respiratory infections Severe stress Cold weather Severe allergic reactions Air pollution Exposure to chemicals and other irritants Smoking 7

Complicationsof Status Asthmaticus Respiratory failure or arrest: Your airways dilate and fill with mucus so you can t breathe. Cardiac arrest: A lack of oxygen can throw your heart rhythm off. Hypoxemia: When you don t have enough oxygen in your blood for too long, it can cause brain damage or death. 8

Complicationsof Status Asthmaticus Respiratory alkalosis: If you hyperventilate early, you may have low levels of carbon dioxide in your blood. Hypercarbia: As the disease progresses, your lungs can t remove carbon dioxide as well, so you have too much. This is especially likely if you wind up on a ventilator. 9

Complicationsof Status Asthmaticus Pneumothorax: Your lung collapses, and air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. Pneumomediastinum: Air leaks from the lungs and into the chest cavity. Toxicity from medications: Theophylline, a medication that helps open your airways, can have negative effects on your system. 10

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Prevention of Status Asthmaticus Use a peak flow meter several times a day. These devices help to check on how well your lungs are working. Monitoring your triggers. Try to keep a running list of certain situations or activities that often accompany your attacks. This can help you avoid them in the future. 12

Prevention of Status Asthmaticus Start treatment immediately, according to your asthma action plan, if you notice a lower reading, even if you feel fine. Keep up with your doctor appointments to find out how well your lungs are doing and to make sure your medicines are working well. 13

Diagnosis of Status Asthmaticus Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how well you re breathing. They'll want to know if you have any fatigue or if you wheeze when you breathe in and out. They ll check your pulse rate. You may also get tests such as a peak expiratory flow and an oxygen saturation, among others. 14

Treatment of Status Asthmaticus Status asthmaticus is usually a medical emergency. It doesn t respond to traditional asthma treatments, which can make it hard to treat. Even if a medication or breathing treatment hasn t worked for you in the past, your doctor may try them again in higher doses or in combination with other treatments. 15

Treatment of Status Asthmaticus Common treatments include: Higher doses of inhaled bronchodilators, such as albuterol or levalbuterol to open up your airways Oral, injected, or inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation Ipratroprium bromide, another type of bronchodilator different than albuterol An epinephrine shot Temporary ventilation support 16

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Conclusion Status asthmaticus is respiratory failure that comes with the worst form of acute severe asthma, or an asthma attack. If an attack comes on quickly and it doesn't respond to regular treatment, it can lead to status asthmaticus, If it happens, you may have to go to the hospital to get it treated. 18

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