How Do I Deal With Asthma Exacerbations in My Office?

Remember that any child, regardless of his or her history, may have a life-threatening asthma exacerbation. Asthma can be a variable and unpredictable condition, and even mild patients are at risk. Be sure that your office check-in staff can recognize the basic signs of respiratory distress, so children who present with a severe asthma attack or worsen while in the waiting room can be seen and treated promptly (Table 27-1). Similarly, the medical staff should be available, and the check-in staff should be able to interrupt another visit for this potential emergency without any reproach. These are important triage functions that will serve to keep your patients with respiratory problems safe.