Management of acute bronchospasm in pediatric populations

Abstract

Asthma affects more than 6 million children in the United States. It is extremely important to recognize those children who are at risk of life-threatening bronchospasm episodes. This article outlines the importance of peak expiratory flow, (PEF), forced expiratory flow in 1 second (FEV1), and percent arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) as predictors of the exacerbation severity, degree of airflow obstruction, and need for hospitalization. In addition, clinical data on the safety and efficacy of levalbuterol among pediatric patients are also presented.