Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that is commonly seen in the emergency department (ED). This article provides an evidence-based review of diagnosis and management of asthma. Early recognition of asthma exacerbations and initiation of treatment are essential. ⋯ Treatment involves bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Other treatment modalities including magnesium, heliox, and noninvasive ventilator support are discussed. Safe disposition from the ED can be considered after stabilization of the exacerbation, response to treatment and attaining peak flow measures.
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Caring in the emergency department for the patient with return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest is challenging. A coordinated and systematic approach to post-cardiac arrest care can improve the mortality and the chance of meaningful neurologic recovery. By achieving appropriate targets for oxygenation, ventilation, and hemodynamic parameters, along with initiating therapeutic hypothermia and arranging early percutaneous coronary intervention, the emergency physician can have the most significant impact on patients who have just been revived from death.
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Recognition and appropriate treatment of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia is an essential skill for healthcare providers. Appropriate defibrillation can improve survival and benefit patient outcome. ⋯ When combined with high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, electrical therapies are an important aspect of resuscitation in the patient with cardiac arrest. This article focuses on the use of electrical therapies, including defibrillation, cardiac pacing, and automated external defibrillators, in cardiac arrest.