status asthmaticus

Last reviewed 01/2018

Status asthmaticus is a severe, prolonged, immobilising attack of asthma that is unresponsive to normal bronchodilator treatment. Treatment of this condition may be started at home but hospital treatment is indicated. Patient management is based upon administering large doses of corticosteroid drugs and bronchodilators and ensuring that the patient is receiving adequate oxygenation until the attack is completed.