Review

Clinical review: Mechanical ventilation in severe asthma

David R Stather^1* and Thomas E Stewart²

• * Corresponding author: David R Stather davestather@yahoo.ca

Author Affiliations

¹ Fellow, InterDepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine and Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital and University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

² Associate Professor, Department of Medicine and Anaesthesia, and Administrative Director, Critical Care Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital and University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

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Critical Care 2005, 9:581-587 doi:10.1186/cc3733

Published: 8 September 2005

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.