Asthma Management of Exacerbations
GOOD DAY ! ASTHMA Managing exacerbations SUMMARY OF PRACTICE POINTS LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Management of exacerbations in adults A short (7-10 days) course of oral corticosteroids is the current standard treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe asthma exacerbations. I When administering a SABA via MDI during an exacerbation, use a spacer. [√] In adults with acute exacerbations not considered severe enough for admission to hospital, high-dose ICS may be effective. II Merely doubling the maintenance ICS dose is not effective in managing exacerbations. II Management of exacerbations in children A short (up to 5 days) course of oral corticosteroids (prednisolone 1 mg/kg up to 60 mg daily) is the current standard treatment for severe exacerbations. Closely monitor response to treatment. I Children who are taking regular preventive medication should continue taking the same dose during an exacerbation. II...