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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 6/2005

01-12-2005 | Review

Clinical review: Mechanical ventilation in severe asthma

Authors: David R Stather, Thomas E Stewart

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 6/2005

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Abstract

Respiratory failure from severe asthma is a potentially reversible, life-threatening condition. Poor outcome in this setting is frequently a result of the development of gas-trapping. This condition can arise in any mechanically ventilated patient, but those with severe airflow limitation have a predisposition. It is important that clinicians managing these types of patients understand that the use of mechanical ventilation can lead to or worsen gas-trapping. In this review we discuss the development of this complication during mechanical ventilation, techniques to measure it and strategies to limit its severity. We hope that by understanding such concepts clinicians will be able to reduce further the poor outcomes occasionally related to severe asthma.
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Metadata
Title
Clinical review: Mechanical ventilation in severe asthma
Authors
David R Stather
Thomas E Stewart
Publication date
01-12-2005
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 6/2005
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc3733

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