Near-Fatal Asthma

By Mark D. Siegel, MD, FCCP

Print This | TOC | Previous | Next

Management

Corticosteroids

High-dose parenteral corticosteroids, at least the equivalent of 40 mg of methylprednisolone every 6 h, are essential.^5,42 Benefits may occur within 1 to 2 h, although in the sickest asthmatics, a response may not be apparent for days.⁴³ Airway eosinophils decrease almost immediately, whereas neutrophils may persist or even increase after corticosteroid treatment is started.^18,19 Although data are lacking, some authors have suggested a role for inhaled corticosteroids as well.⁵

Print This | TOC | Previous | Next

3300 Dundee Road • Northbrook, Illinois 60062-2348 • (847) 498-1400 • (800) 343-2227
Copyright ©1999-2008 American College of Chest Physicians. All Rights Reserved.
ACCP Privacy Policy | ACCP Web Site Terms of Use