The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
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A total of 48 patients presenting to the emergency department as acute asthma exacerbation were prospectively studied. Rhinolaryngoscopy was conducted with simultaneous flow measurements and spirometry performed before and after the procedure. ⋯ One additional patient had inspiratory and expiratory closure of the vocal cords. The previously unreported high incidence of anterior two-thirds closure (10.4%) of the vocal cords suggests that the upper airway has a role to play in a significant number of patients presenting with symptoms of asthma exacerbation.
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We sought to determine socioeconomic and demographic factors that predict frequent emergency department (ED) use among asthmatics in Southeastern Pennsylvania. ⋯ Frequent ED use is associated with demographic factors, geographic factors, and markers of severity of illness. While care guidelines recommend prompt referral to a primary care physician to prevent ED visits, given the level of primary care use in this population, frequent primary care attendance alone may not prevent asthma-related ED visits.