Severe acute asthma in the child

OBJECTIVE: To present a current review about diagnosis and treatment of severe acute asthma, based on the reviewed publications and the author? personal experience. METHODS: We reviewed the most relevant articles about diagnosis and management of severe acute asthma. RESULTS: Severe acute asthma is an important cause of morbidity in children and it can usually lead to respiratory failure. The diagnostic (clinical manifestations and lung function tests) and treatment (oxygen, bronchodilators and steroids) are now well determined by the literature, and are very important for a good prognosis of every patient. CONCLUSIONS: Considering severe acute asthma a prevalent condition in pediatric emergency room and intensive care unit, the ability to make an early diagnosis of this condition, associated with a prompt treatment, are essential for an effective reduction in morbimortality rates.