Status asthmaticus in pediatric practice.

Abstract

A child in acute asthma who does not respond to his usual medication, injections of epinephrine and aminophylline should be considered to be in status asthmaticus. Inability to recognize the severity of illness, delayed referral of child to appropriate facility and inadequate control of asthmatic symptoms are some of the contributing factors. Prevention, timely referral and aggressive treatment of this condition significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. Rarely does the child require mechanical ventilation.