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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 medicine treatment.

Status asthmaticus is an emergency situation that can lead to death. A person with this condition needs to immediately see a doctor 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.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerLora J. Stewart
Last RevisedMarch 17, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 17, 2011
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