Table 1

Different patterns of fatal asthma


Scenario of asthma death


Variable
Type 1
Type 2

Time course
Subacute worsening (days). 'Slow onset – late arrival'
Acute deterioration (hours). 'Sudden asphyxic asthma'
Frequency
≅ 80–85%
≅ 15–20%
Airways
Extensive mucous plugging
More or less 'empty' bronchi
Inflammation
Eosinophils
Neutrophils
Response to treatment
Slow
Faster
Prevention
Possible
(?)

Papiris et al. Critical Care 2002 6:30   doi:10.1186/cc1451