The Crashing Asthmatic

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition affecting 8% of the US population and although most patients can be managed with inhaled medications and steroids, certain patients are at risk for severe attacks requiring invasive therapies. This presentation will focus on the treatment and management of patients with near-fatal asthma. We will review the physiology of asthma and the mechanism of current therapies. The use of positive pressure ventilation, as well as capnography will be covered. Ketamine and delayed-sequence intubation will also be discussed, and ECMO will be introduced as a treatment for crashing asthmatics. This presentation is targeted for those interested in expanding their knowledge and comfort with critically ill patients and will introduce many ALS techniques and treatments for those unfamiliar.