indications for mechanical ventilation in asthma

Last reviewed 01/2018

Mechanical ventilation should not be delayed if the patient is moribund:

• if the PaO2 is less than 6.5kPa and falling
• if the PaCO2 is more than 6.5kPa and rising
• if the pH is less than 7.3 and falling
• if there is cardiorespiratory arrest
• if there is increasing respiratory distress and exhaustion