Abstract

Acute exacerbations of asthma and COPD are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a dynamic and effective therapy is required.

In acute severe asthma, an appropriate treatment may save life. In the treatment, inhaled short acting ß2-agonist, systemic corticosteroid, oxygen, inhaled anticholinergic, intravenous aminophylline and intravenous ß2-agonist are used according to the severity of asthma exacerbations. In acute severe asthma, high dose drug may be required to be used in a short time. In this condition, the most appropriate therapy is the use of nebulisers.

Additionally, in acute exacerbations of COPD, therapy with nebuliser could be required due to the requirement of high dose drug and disability for use of hand-hold inhaler.