Résumé

• Presents as an acute or subacute episode of progressive worsening of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and chest tightness.
• Pulse rate, respiratory rate, subjective assessment of respiratory distress, accessory muscle use, and auscultation of the lung fields are key factors to assess during physical examination.
• An increased airway obstruction that can be quantified objectively by peak flow measurement or FEV1 is typical in an acute exacerbation.
• Early administration of bronchodilators and corticosteroids relieves airflow obstruction and helps to prevent future relapses. Severe exacerbations often require additional therapy including oxygen, magnesium, and, in some circumstances, mechanical ventilation.
• Pneumonia, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and respiratory failure are complications.