Status Asthmaticus

Status asthmaticus is a potentially fatal episode of asthma.

What Is Status Asthmaticus?

An acute, severe asthma attack that doesn't respond to usual use of inhaled bronchodilators and is associated with symptoms of potential respiratory failure is labeled status asthmaticus. Status asthmaticus is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is important to be aware of status asthmaticus and prevent it with early intervention.

What Are The Symptoms of Status Asthmaticus?

The symptoms of status asthmaticus may include persistent shortness of breath and the inability to speak in full sentences. You may have breathlessness even while lying down in bed. Your chest may feel closed and your lips may have a bluish tint. In addition, you may feel agitation, confusion, or an inability to concentrate. You may hunch your shoulders, sit or stand up to breathe more easily, and strain your abdominal and neck muscles. These are signs of an impending respiratory system failure.

You may not have more wheezing and coughing with status asthmaticus. In fact, the presence of wheezing or coughing is not a reliable standard for judging the severity of an asthma attack. Very severe asthma attacks such as status asthmaticus may affect breathing airways so much that the lack of air in and out of your lungs does not cause a wheezing sound or coughing.

Are There Warning Signs of Status Asthmaticus?

Status asthmaticus often occurs with few warning signs. It can happen quickly and progress rapidly to asphyxiation. Some findings show that patients with status asthmaticus have poor control of allergens or asthma triggers in the home and/or workplace. These people may also have infrequent use of a peak flow monitor and inhaled corticosteroids. Inhaled steroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that are highly effective in reducing inflammation associated with asthma.

Does Wheezing Indicate Status Asthmaticus?

Wheezing does not necessarily indicate asthma. Wheezing can also be a sign of other health conditions, such as respiratory infection, heart failure, and other serious problems.

What Causes Status Asthmaticus?

Whereas the causes of status asthmaticus are unknown, those people who have status asthmaticus may have a history of infrequent health care, which may result in poor treatment of asthma. People with status asthmaticus may also have a history of intubation or hospitalization for asthma. Also, those who have poor mental health or psychosocial stressors are at a higher risk for status asthmaticus. That's why ongoing monitoring of lung function using a peak flow meter is necessary in anyone who has persistent asthma.

How Is Status Asthmaticus Diagnosed?

To diagnose a severe asthma attack as status asthmaticus, your doctor will notice physical findings such as your consciousness, fatigue, and the use of accessory muscles of breathing. Your doctor will notice your respiration rate, wheezing during both inhalation and exhalation, and your pulse rate. Some other tests may include peak expiratory flow and oxygen saturation, among others. Other physical symptoms will be noticed with the chest, mouth, pharynx, and upper airway.