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Welcome to Part 1 of our two-part podcast series on Adult Asthma Exacerbations. Given this past summers’ increase in the number and size of forest fires leading to increased asthma presentations to the ED, we are joined by Dr. Leeor Sommer from North York General Hospital and Dr. Sameer Mal, an ED-Intensivist and Transport Physician from London, Ontario to discuss the most important aspects of ED asthma care. Together, we’ll explore a systematic approach to managing patients presenting to the ED with asthma exacerbations. Our discussion will emphasize the critical role of a thorough history and physical examination in effectively stratifying patient risk and guiding treatment/disposition decisions. Additionally, we’ll examine the importance of providing comprehensive discharge medications and instructions to mitigate both mortality and morbidity associated with asthma exacerbations. We answer questions such as: which patients, if any, require peak expiratory flow measurements in the ED? Why is it so important to add steroid MDI therapy to oral steroid therapy in patients being discharged from the ED after an asthma exacerbation? What are the most predictive variables to risk stratify patients with asthma exacerbations to help guide treatment and disposition? and many more. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll delve deep into the management of the crashing asthmatic.
Welcome to Part 1 of our two-part podcast series on Adult Asthma Exacerbations. Given this past summers’ increase in the number and size of forest fires leading to increased asthma presentations to the ED, we are joined by Dr. Leeor Sommer from North York General Hospital and Dr. Sameer Mal, an ED-Intensivist and Transport Physician from London, Ontario to discuss the most important aspects of ED asthma care. Together, we’ll explore a systematic approach to managing patients presenting to the ED with asthma exacerbations. Our discussion will emphasize the critical role of a thorough history and physical examination in effectively stratifying patient risk and guiding treatment/disposition decisions. Additionally, we’ll examine the importance of providing comprehensive discharge medications and instructions to mitigate both mortality and morbidity associated with asthma exacerbations. We answer questions such as: which patients, if any, require peak expiratory flow measurements in the ED? Why is it so important to add steroid MDI therapy to oral steroid therapy in patients being discharged from the ED after an asthma exacerbation? What are the most predictive variables to risk stratify patients with asthma exacerbations to help guide treatment and disposition? and many more. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll delve deep into the management of the crashing asthmatic.
Cite this podcast as: Helman, A. Mal, S. Sommer, L. Episode 192 Asthma Management Strategies for Improved Prognosis – A Stepwise Approach. Emergency Medicine Cases. March, 2024. https://emergencymedicinecases.com/emergency-asthma-management-strategies. Accessed May 18, 2025
Résumés EM Cases
Go to part 2 of this 2-part podcast on adult asthma exacerbations
5 Simple Steps to managing asthma exacerbations in the ED
Step 1: Consider the asthma differential diagnosis carefully
“Not all that wheezes is asthma, and asthma does not always present with a wheeze.”
While the diagnosis of asthma is often straightforward, especially in patients with a history of exacerbations and repeat ED visits, it is crucial to consider several other conditions in patients presenting to the ED with wheezing, including:
In cases where wheezing is absent, particularly in patients suspected of having an asthma exacerbation, be mindful that patients may exhibit a silent chest—a sign of a severe/life-threatening exacerbation where patients are unable to generate sufficient airflow to produce an audible wheeze.
Utilize adjuncts such as PoCUS and chest X-ray to help refine your differential diagnosis in conjunction with a thorough history and physical examination. Guard against diagnostic premature closure that might lead you to exclusively consider asthma upon hearing the term ‘wheeze’.
Step 2: Risk stratification based on history
Effective risk stratification of patients presenting to the ED with asthma exacerbations, grounded in a comprehensive assessment of their medical history and physical examination findings, is pivotal in directing appropriate management and disposition decisions. Patients exhibiting a greater number of the following risk factors are at heightened risk for experiencing a severe exacerbation and having poor outcomes.
Most predictive variables on history:
Other risk factors to consider:
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the ED – is it useful?
The efficacy of peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring in the ED for improving outcomes remains uncertain. While some guidelines advocate for incorporating PEF measurements, aiming for >60-80% of personal best (or predicted) in their discharge algorithms, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and concluded that PEF monitoring in the ED does not improve outcomes, predict the need for hospitalization, or reduce mortality in adults with asthma exacerbations.
According to our experts, the decision to utilize PEF monitoring should be tailored to each patient and regarded as one factor among many in the clinical assessment to inform disposition decisions.
A brief overview of how to use a Peak Flow Meter and information on PEF use for at-home monitoring of asthma.
Step 3: Assess illness severity to guide treatment choices
Step 4: ED treatment options based on illness severity
*While steroids onset of action is traditionally thought to be delayed there is evidence to suggest that when given within the first hour of presentation there are improved outcomes compared to after 1 hour. It has been proposed that steroids may have a synergistic effect with B-agonists and epinephrine which may explain why improved outcomes are seen when steroids are given early, despite the traditionally thinking that the onset is delayed by several hours.
*When ever possible, re-assess these patients frequently (q15-20 minutes) especially patients in whom you have concern for a severe exacerbation.
Metered Dose Inhalers vs. Nebulizers – which is better?
There has been a significant shift in clinical practice favoring the use of Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) over nebulizers for ED asthma treatment, primarily driven by concerns around aerosolization during the COVID pandemic. More drug is delivered to the alveoli with MDIs compared to nebulizers. Moreover, the question of potential medication wastage into the environment when utilizing nebulizers as opposed to MDIs with a spacer device has also been raised.
An additional benefit to employing MDIs in the ED is that it provides an opportunity for patients to receive instruction on proper inhalation techniques, equipping them for successful self-management upon discharge. However, it is essential to recognize that MDIs may pose a higher labor burden on nursing staff or RTs if patients require assistance with administration. In scenarios where patients are too unwell to self-administer with an MDI, a nebulizer may offer a more practical and effective treatment option.
Step 5: Good discharge instructions and appropriate discharge medications improves outcomes of patients with asthma exacerbations
Adequate time should spent providing good discharge instruction and appropriate discharge medications to patients with asthma exacerbations, as there is evidence that such care improves outcomes. This is one of the most important aspects of care in the ED that is too often overlooked in our busy EDs.
Discharge Criteria (note that ED PEF measurements have not been shown to improve outcomes when used alone, but can be considered to help with disposition decisions along with other criteria):
*Pitfall: Observational data shows clearly that ED physicians seldom prescribe inhaled corticosteroid at ED discharge. Inhaled steroids used as a controller therapy improve lung function and symptom control, reduce airway inflammation, the risk of exacerbation, the need for repeat ED visits, and the total exposure to systemic steroids. Steroid inhalers should routinely be prescribed even when oral steroids are also prescribed.
Ensure patients have a spacer; have a team member, or you walk them through proper inhaler technique prior to discharge. Provide resources for patients to access if they need a refresher (video on correct MDI technique)
Return to Care Instructions
Patients should follow-up with their primary care team or respirologist within a few days after discharge for re-assessment following an asthma exacerbation. Patients should be advised to return to care urgently via EMS if they experience any of the following:
Identification of Triggers
Encourage patients to identify and avoid or mitigate possible triggers for their asthma (i.e. pets, allergens, exercise, medications, smoking/ irritants, or workplace exposures).
There is good evidence to suggest that asthma action plans improve patient outcomes, yet these are seldom provided to patients from the ED. Patients should routinely be encouraged to fill in an Asthma Action Plan (see below) which can help them to identify worsening symptoms, plan for up titrating home therapies as well as recognize when to come into hospital for further management.
Asthma Action Plan pdf: https://asthma.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Asthma-Action-Plan_optimized.pdf
By following this simple 5 step approach to asthma exacerbations in the ED outline here, being careful to consider the differential diagnosis and understand that “not all the wheezes is asthma and that asthma does not always wheeze”, taking a history that elicits risk factors for severe exacerbations requiring aggressive treatment, accurately categorizing patients based on physical exam findings, administering appropriate medications guided by these categories and ensuring adequate discharge instructions, education, prescriptions and follow up, you will very likely improve the outcomes of your patients who present to the ED with asthma exacerbations.
Go to part 2 of this 2-part podcast on adult asthma exacerbations
Cite this podcast as: Helman, A. Mal, S. Sommer, L. Episode 192 Asthma Management Strategies for Improved Prognosis – A Stepwise Approach. Emergency Medicine Cases. March, 2024. https://emergencymedicinecases.com/emergency-asthma-management-strategies. Accessed May 18, 2025
Résumés EM Cases
Go to part 2 of this 2-part podcast on adult asthma exacerbations
5 Simple Steps to managing asthma exacerbations in the ED
Step 1: Consider the asthma differential diagnosis carefully
“Not all that wheezes is asthma, and asthma does not always present with a wheeze.”
While the diagnosis of asthma is often straightforward, especially in patients with a history of exacerbations and repeat ED visits, it is crucial to consider several other conditions in patients presenting to the ED with wheezing, including:
In cases where wheezing is absent, particularly in patients suspected of having an asthma exacerbation, be mindful that patients may exhibit a silent chest—a sign of a severe/life-threatening exacerbation where patients are unable to generate sufficient airflow to produce an audible wheeze.
Utilize adjuncts such as PoCUS and chest X-ray to help refine your differential diagnosis in conjunction with a thorough history and physical examination. Guard against diagnostic premature closure that might lead you to exclusively consider asthma upon hearing the term ‘wheeze’.
Step 2: Risk stratification based on history
Effective risk stratification of patients presenting to the ED with asthma exacerbations, grounded in a comprehensive assessment of their medical history and physical examination findings, is pivotal in directing appropriate management and disposition decisions. Patients exhibiting a greater number of the following risk factors are at heightened risk for experiencing a severe exacerbation and having poor outcomes.
Most predictive variables on history:
Other risk factors to consider:
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the ED – is it useful?
The efficacy of peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring in the ED for improving outcomes remains uncertain. While some guidelines advocate for incorporating PEF measurements, aiming for >60-80% of personal best (or predicted) in their discharge algorithms, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and concluded that PEF monitoring in the ED does not improve outcomes, predict the need for hospitalization, or reduce mortality in adults with asthma exacerbations.
According to our experts, the decision to utilize PEF monitoring should be tailored to each patient and regarded as one factor among many in the clinical assessment to inform disposition decisions.
A brief overview of how to use a Peak Flow Meter and information on PEF use for at-home monitoring of asthma.
Step 3: Assess illness severity to guide treatment choices
Step 4: ED treatment options based on illness severity
*While steroids onset of action is traditionally thought to be delayed there is evidence to suggest that when given within the first hour of presentation there are improved outcomes compared to after 1 hour. It has been proposed that steroids may have a synergistic effect with B-agonists and epinephrine which may explain why improved outcomes are seen when steroids are given early, despite the traditionally thinking that the onset is delayed by several hours.
*When ever possible, re-assess these patients frequently (q15-20 minutes) especially patients in whom you have concern for a severe exacerbation.
Metered Dose Inhalers vs. Nebulizers – which is better?
There has been a significant shift in clinical practice favoring the use of Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) over nebulizers for ED asthma treatment, primarily driven by concerns around aerosolization during the COVID pandemic. More drug is delivered to the alveoli with MDIs compared to nebulizers. Moreover, the question of potential medication wastage into the environment when utilizing nebulizers as opposed to MDIs with a spacer device has also been raised.
An additional benefit to employing MDIs in the ED is that it provides an opportunity for patients to receive instruction on proper inhalation techniques, equipping them for successful self-management upon discharge. However, it is essential to recognize that MDIs may pose a higher labor burden on nursing staff or RTs if patients require assistance with administration. In scenarios where patients are too unwell to self-administer with an MDI, a nebulizer may offer a more practical and effective treatment option.
Step 5: Good discharge instructions and appropriate discharge medications improves outcomes of patients with asthma exacerbations
Adequate time should spent providing good discharge instruction and appropriate discharge medications to patients with asthma exacerbations, as there is evidence that such care improves outcomes. This is one of the most important aspects of care in the ED that is too often overlooked in our busy EDs.
Discharge Criteria (note that ED PEF measurements have not been shown to improve outcomes when used alone, but can be considered to help with disposition decisions along with other criteria):
*Pitfall: Observational data shows clearly that ED physicians seldom prescribe inhaled corticosteroid at ED discharge. Inhaled steroids used as a controller therapy improve lung function and symptom control, reduce airway inflammation, the risk of exacerbation, the need for repeat ED visits, and the total exposure to systemic steroids. Steroid inhalers should routinely be prescribed even when oral steroids are also prescribed.
Ensure patients have a spacer; have a team member, or you walk them through proper inhaler technique prior to discharge. Provide resources for patients to access if they need a refresher (video on correct MDI technique)
Return to Care Instructions
Patients should follow-up with their primary care team or respirologist within a few days after discharge for re-assessment following an asthma exacerbation. Patients should be advised to return to care urgently via EMS if they experience any of the following:
Identification of Triggers
Encourage patients to identify and avoid or mitigate possible triggers for their asthma (i.e. pets, allergens, exercise, medications, smoking/ irritants, or workplace exposures).
There is good evidence to suggest that asthma action plans improve patient outcomes, yet these are seldom provided to patients from the ED. Patients should routinely be encouraged to fill in an Asthma Action Plan (see below) which can help them to identify worsening symptoms, plan for up titrating home therapies as well as recognize when to come into hospital for further management.
Asthma Action Plan pdf: https://asthma.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Asthma-Action-Plan_optimized.pdf
By following this simple 5 step approach to asthma exacerbations in the ED outline here, being careful to consider the differential diagnosis and understand that “not all the wheezes is asthma and that asthma does not always wheeze”, taking a history that elicits risk factors for severe exacerbations requiring aggressive treatment, accurately categorizing patients based on physical exam findings, administering appropriate medications guided by these categories and ensuring adequate discharge instructions, education, prescriptions and follow up, you will very likely improve the outcomes of your patients who present to the ED with asthma exacerbations.
Go to part 2 of this 2-part podcast on adult asthma exacerbations
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