Acute asphyxic asthma: beware of a potential killer

Abstract

Acute asphyxic asthma is a rare but severe presentation of an acute asthma exacerbation. We report the case of an eleven-year old girl, who presented with acute dyspnea at night, quickly evolving to cardiorespiratory arrest, for which cardiopulmonary resuscitation was required. An acute asphyxic asthma attack was diagnosed. Acute asphyxic asthma has been previously described in adults, but studies in children are scarce. Further studies are needed to identify children at risk for acute asphyxic asthma and guide preventive measures. Awareness of this entity is crucial. If promptly recognized and treated, a near-fatal attack usually resolves rapidly and completely.