Asthma acute exacerbation in adults : Triage

Asthma exacerbations represent a significant challenge in the management of asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that affects approximately 300 million individuals globally. These exacerbations are responsible for a substantial portion of the morbidity and healthcare costs associated with asthma, particularly due to the acute care required during such episodes. Asthma exacerbations are marked by an acute worsening of symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness, often necessitating urgent medical attention.

Risk factors for exacerbations include a history of previous exacerbations, reliance on short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) without the use of controller medications, respiratory complaints, obesity, airway obstruction, and depression. Environmental triggers, both atmospheric and domiciliary, alongside factors present in schools and workplaces, can precipitate these episodes. Notably, the majority of exacerbations, especially in children, are associated with respiratory viral infections, with rhinovirus being the most common.

Triage Table for Acute Asthma Exacerbation in Adults: Data Gathering

When triaging acute asthma exacerbation in adults, especially over the phone where physical examination is not possible, focusing on comprehensive history taking is crucial. Here's an initial table for data gathering during the triage process: