Improving Management of Severe Asthma: BiPAP and Beyond

Abstract

Acute severe asthma exacerbations present unique challenges in the pediatric emergency department. While most children presenting to the emergency department respond to standard asthma therapy including inhaled β2-agonists, ipratropium, and systemic corticosteroids, some children remain refractory to these treatments and require adjunct therapies. Here we provide a review of the most recent National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines, Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, as well as recent evidence guiding the management of severe asthma exacerbations in the pediatric emergency department.