Tratamiento de la crisis asmática en pediatría

Despite the significant advances that have been produced in the management of asthma in the last few decades, crises, attacks, or asthma exacerbations (acute asthma) continue to be the most common cause of consultation in pediatric emergency units. Visits to these units and hospital admissions due to acute asthma represent three quarters of the direct costs due to this disease. Acute asthma is a medical emergency that should be rapidly diagnosed and treated. Evaluation of children with acute asthma exacerbations should consist of two phases: a static phase (determination of the severity of the crisis on admission) and a dynamic phase (treatment response). The present article provides an in-depth review and analysis of current pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments (oxygen, bronchodilators, corticosteroids - inhaled and systemic - aminophylline, magnesium sulfate, etc.) of acute asthma exacerbations and proposes management protocols for use in both primary care and emergency units.