Asthma guidelines are created to aid health experts with the diagnosis, treatment as well as the non-pharmological management this disease. These guidelines are based on research and updated frequently by a team of experts.
Asthma Guidelines for Treating Acute Attacks in Hospitals
Hospitalization may be required in acute asthma attacks. Lung function, levels of oxygen and other indicators of severity are determined through laboratory tests, chest x-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG). The following treatments may be administered depending on the results:
• The standard therapy is beta2-agonists which may be given hourly with an inhaler or administered with a nebulizer. In most cases, intravenous delivery isnt recommended.
• Hospitalization can be prevented by giving corticosteroid within the first hour of the attack.
• Patients with severe asthma must be treated with intravenous magnesium to open blocked airways
• Administering oxygen can be a life-saver in severe cases
• Mechanical ventilation may be required in life-threatening situations
• If there is no strong evidence of the presence of bacteria, antibiotics is useless for asthma attacks.
Guidelines for Discharge and Relapse after Hospitalization
Three to four hours is what it takes to determine whether a patient needs to stay in the hospital or can be sent home. When can a patient be discharged?
• Symptoms have disappeared or are minimal
• If the rate of peak expiratory flow is 70% or more of the expected rate
What are the asthma guidelines for home treatments?
The key elements to preventing asthma attacks are following the prescribed drug treatments, avoiding allergens, and home monitoring. Write down action plans as guidelines for individual patients to respond properly to their symptoms. In addition to a combination of medications, a good communication between patient and doctor is a key to a successful management program.
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