Treatment of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the ICU

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Need for early noninvasive or invasive ventilation
    • Ensure adequate ventilation & oxygenation.
    • Signs of impending respiratory failure
      • Unable to talk in full sentences
      • Accessory muscle use
      • Thoracoabdominal paradox
  • Aggressive bronchodilatation
    • Continuous albuterol/ipratropium nebs/metered dose inhaler (MDI) in COPD
    • Continuous albuterol nebs in asthma

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Last updated: May 14, 2010