Acute severe asthma

Acute Severe Asthma

Acute severe asthma (pronunciation: /əˈkjuːt ˈsiːvər æsˈmə/), also known as status asthmaticus, is a life-threatening form of asthma that can occur suddenly and does not respond to standard asthma treatment.

Etymology

The term "acute" comes from the Latin acutus, meaning "sharp" or "severe". The term "asthma" is derived from the Greek asthma, which means "panting" or "labored breathing".

Definition

Acute severe asthma is a medical emergency characterized by severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and bluish coloration of the lips or face. It can occur in individuals with a history of asthma, but it can also occur in those without a previous diagnosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute severe asthma can include:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Difficulty speaking
• Anxiety or panic
• Fatigue

Causes

Acute severe asthma can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander)
• Respiratory infections
• Exercise
• Cold air
• Certain medications
• Stress

Treatment

Treatment for acute severe asthma typically involves immediate medical attention and may include:

• Oxygen therapy
• Inhaled bronchodilators
• Systemic corticosteroids
• Possible hospitalization

Related Terms

• Asthma
• Bronchodilator
• Corticosteroid
• Respiratory infection
• Allergen

See Also

• Chronic Asthma
• Asthma exacerbation
• Asthma management

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Acute severe asthma
• Wikipedia's article - Acute severe asthma

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