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Status asthmaticus

Status asthmaticus is a long-lasting and severe asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatment. It occurs when asthma symptoms-difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing-fail to improve with emergency medication treatment.

Status asthmaticus is an emergency situation that can lead to death. A person with this condition needs to immediately see a health professional or go to a hospital's emergency department.

Treating an asthma attack as soon as or before it begins may prevent status asthmaticus or reduce its severity.

Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Denele Ivins
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Harold S. Nelson, MD
- Allergy and Immunology
Last Updated March 22, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 22, 2007
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