Asthma With Status Asthmaticus

Asthma with status asthmaticus is a life-threatening, severe asthma attack. During status asthmaticus, the airways narrow and breathing becomes severely impaired. Status asthmaticus develops when a person having an asthma attack does not respond to standard treatment, according to Penn State Children's Hospital. The asthma attack continues and worsens. Although the condition can be reversed, prompt treatment is needed to prevent respiratory failure.

Risk Factors

• Children and adults can develop status asthmaticus. People who do not have their asthma treated and have frequent flare-ups of symptoms are at risk for developing the condition. According to Penn State Children's hospital, people who are low-income may be at risk because of poor medical care. A person who has had status asthmaticus in the past is at risk of developing the condition again.

Causes

• Many different triggers can cause an asthma attack to occur. The same triggers can cause status asthmaticus to develop, according to Brigham Woman's Hospital. Common triggers of an asthma attack include allergens such as pollen and dust. Cold weather and exercise can induce a severe asthma attack in some people. A respiratory infection can also lead to a severe asthma attack that develops into status asthmaticus.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of asthma with status asthmaticus are extreme shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and anxiety. As the condition worsens, wheezing may not occur because of severe restriction in airflow. The skin may become blue because of a lack of oxygen in the body. Breathing sounds may no longer be heard. Symptoms can progress to the point where the patient stops breathing and goes into cardiac arrest, which means the heart has stopped functioning properly.

Treatment

• According to Penn State Children's Hospital, bronchodilators, which relax the airways and help improve airflow, are given through a nebulizer. Corticosteroids are also given to reduce inflammation in the airways, which occurs during an attack. Because oxygen levels in the body may become low, supplemental oxygen may be given. In cases of respiratory failure, a breathing tube is inserted into the trachea, and a ventilator may be used to help the patient breathe.

Prevention/Solution

• Early treatment for an asthma attack is needed to reverse symptoms and prevent status asthmaticus. Medications should be taken as directed by a physician. Patients should learn about the various types of medications used to treat their asthma. Patients need to understand the difference between fast-acting bronchodilators, which are considered rescue medications, and maintenance medications. Patients should also know what causes their asthma symptoms to develop and take appropriate precautions.