M Wolmarans

Abstract

Ventilation of the asthmatic is a major challenge with a potential for catastrophic problems that can and should be anticipated. Therapy should be tailored to the individual’s needs. If managed appropriately mortality in these patients is low (less than 1%). Much of the reported morbidity relates to cerebral hypoxia at or immediately before ventilatory intervention. Early use of CPAP in asthmatics that fail or are slow to respond to conventional therapy has been shown to significantly reduce the need for intermittent positive pressure ventilation.