Principles of managing children with asthma in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric asthma exacerbations comprise a significant portion of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Recognition of diagnostic symptoms and signs, and timely use of appropriate medications may reduce the need of hospitalizations and the impact of this disease on the lives of children and their families. OBJECTIVE: To review the pathophysiology of asthma, the current recommendations for conventional medical treatment in the ED, the controversies surrounding adjunct therapies, and the importance of discharge planning and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric asthma exacerbations may be successfully treated in the ED with the use of appropriate inhaled and systemic medications.