Community acquired pneumonia- etiology, common pathogens based on age group, investigations and management, as per latest 2025-26 guidelines
Reading Document
Medical Text Search
community acquired pneumonia etiology pathogen age group classification
Medical Text Search
community acquired pneumonia investigations diagnosis severity scoring CURB-65 PSI
Medical Image Search
community acquired pneumonia chest X-ray radiograph findings
GradeResponse
GradeResponse
GradeResponse
Medical Text Search
community acquired pneumonia antibiotic treatment management guidelines 2024 2025 empirical therapy
I have sufficient information from the retrieved sources and will now synthesize a comprehensive answer from retrieved content and my knowledge of the latest 2023–2025 ATS/IDSA, BTS, and ACEP guidelines.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Etiology | Pathogens by Age | Investigations | Management
Based on ATS/IDSA 2019 (reaffirmed 2023), ACEP 2025 guidelines, and current evidence
1. Definition & Classification
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an acute lower respiratory tract infection acquired outside a hospital setting, or within 48 hours of hospital admission, in a patient who has not resided in a long-term care facility for ≥14 days.
Classification by setting/severity:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-severe (outpatient) | Mild symptoms, no hypoxia, ambulatory |
| Moderate (inpatient, non-ICU) | Requires hospitalization, not meeting severe criteria |
| Severe (ICU) | Meets ATS major/minor severity criteria (see below) |
2. Etiology
CAP is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and atypical organisms. The etiology shifts depending on age, comorbidities, severity, and geography.
General Causative Agents
| Category | Pathogens |
|---|---|
| Typical bacteria | Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common), Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus (incl. MRSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Atypical bacteria | Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila |
| Viruses | Influenza A/B, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Metapneumovirus, Parainfluenza |
| Fungi (endemic) | Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis, Blastomyces dermatitidis |
| Aspiration-related | Oral anaerobes (Peptostreptococcus, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium) |
S. pneumoniae remains the single most common identifiable bacterial pathogen across all age groups (Harrison's, p. 3799).
3. Common Pathogens by Age Group
| Age Group | Most Common Pathogens |
|---|---|
| Neonates (0–28 days) | Group B Streptococcus (GBS), E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, CMV |
| Infants (1–3 months) | Chlamydia trachomatis (afebrile pneumonia), RSV, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae |
| Children (3 months – 5 years) | RSV, Parainfluenza, Rhinovirus, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b |
| Children (5–15 years) | Mycoplasma pneumoniae (most common), Chlamydophila pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae |
| Young adults (15–40 years) | Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae |
| Adults (40–65 years) | S. pneumoniae (predominant), H. influenzae, M. pneumoniae, Influenza viruses |
| Elderly (>65 years) | S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, Gram-negative bacilli, S. aureus, Aspiration, Influenza, RSV |
| Immunocompromised | Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP), Aspergillus, CMV, Nocardia, atypicals + all above |
Key point: "Walking pneumonia" in school-age children and young adults is predominantly Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In elderly and aspiration-prone patients, Gram-negatives and anaerobes gain prominence.
4. Investigations
4.1 Minimum Baseline Workup (All Patients)
| Investigation | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Chest X-ray (PA + lateral) | Confirm diagnosis, assess extent, identify complications (effusion, abscess, multilobar) |
| Pulse oximetry / ABG | Assess oxygenation; ABG if SpO₂ <92% or severe disease |
| CBC with differential | Leukocytosis/leukopenia; neutrophilia in bacterial, lymphopenia in viral |
| CRP / ESR | Inflammatory markers; CRP useful for monitoring response |
| Procalcitonin (PCT) | Helps distinguish bacterial from viral; guides antibiotic stewardship |
| Serum electrolytes, BUN, creatinine | Part of CURB-65/PSI; assess for end-organ involvement |
| LFTs | Legionella can cause hepatitis; drug toxicity monitoring |
| Blood glucose | Diabetes is a key risk factor |
| Blood cultures × 2 | Before antibiotics — mandated in moderate-severe/ICU CAP |
4.2 Severity Assessment Tools
CURB-65 Score (BTS):
| Variable | Points |
|---|---|
| Confusion (new) | 1 |
| Urea >7 mmol/L (BUN >20 mg/dL) | 1 |
| Respiratory rate ≥30/min | 1 |
| Blood pressure: systolic <90 or diastolic ≤60 mmHg | 1 |
| 65 years of age or older | 1 |
| Score | Mortality | Disposition |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | <3% | Outpatient |
| 2 | ~9% | Consider admission |
| 3–5 | 15–40% | Hospitalize (ICU if ≥4) |
Per ACEP 2025 guidelines: "The PSI and CURB-65 can support clinical judgement by identifying patients at low risk of mortality who may be appropriate for outpatient treatment. Although both are acceptable, the PSI is supported by a larger body of evidence and is preferred by ATS/IDSA." (ACEP CAP Guideline, p. 4)
Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI / PORT Score):
- CLASS I–II: Outpatient
- CLASS III: Short stay/observation
- CLASS IV–V: Hospitalization (Class V = ICU consideration)
ATS/IDSA 2019 Criteria for Severe CAP:
Minor criteria (≥3 = severe):
- RR ≥30, PaO₂/FiO₂ <250, multilobar infiltrates, confusion/disorientation, BUN ≥20, leukopenia (WBC <4000), thrombocytopenia (<100,000), hypothermia (<36°C), hypotension requiring aggressive fluid resuscitation
Major criteria (1 = severe):
- Invasive mechanical ventilation, septic shock requiring vasopressors
4.3 Microbiology Workup — When to Order
| Test | Indication |
|---|---|
| Blood cultures ×2 | Moderate-severe, ICU, empirically immunocompromised, asplenic |
| Sputum C&S + Gram stain | Moderate-severe; productive cough; all ICU patients |
| Urinary Legionella antigen | Severe CAP, travel to endemic areas, outbreak setting |
| Urinary Pneumococcal antigen | Moderate-severe CAP (sensitivity 70–80%) |
| Respiratory viral PCR panel | All hospitalized patients (influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, atypicals) |
| Mycoplasma/Chlamydia PCR | Young adults, atypical presentation, cluster outbreaks |
| Bronchoscopy + BAL | ICU, non-responding CAP, immunocompromised, diagnostic uncertainty |
| HIV serology | First episode pneumonia in young adults, recurrent/unusual CAP |
| Beta-D-glucan / Galactomannan | Suspected fungal pneumonia (immunocompromised) |
4.4 Radiological Findings
Chest X-ray:
AP chest X-ray demonstrating patchy alveolar opacities and consolidation in the left mid-to-upper lung zones — classic CAP radiographic findings.
| Pattern | Likely Pathogen |
|---|---|
| Lobar/segmental consolidation | S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae |
| Bilateral interstitial / ground-glass | Viral (COVID-19, Influenza), PCP, Mycoplasma |
| Cavitation | S. aureus (MRSA), anaerobes, K. pneumoniae, TB |
| Patchy bronchopneumonia | H. influenzae, S. aureus, aspiration |
| Unilateral pleural effusion | S. pneumoniae (parapneumonic), anaerobes |
CT Thorax is indicated when:
- CXR normal but clinical suspicion high
- Non-resolving pneumonia (>6 weeks)
- Recurrent pneumonia in same segment (exclude malignancy)
- Suspected complications (abscess, empyema)
5. Management
5.1 General Principles
- Risk stratify using PSI/CURB-65 before deciding on setting of care
- Start antibiotics within 4 hours of diagnosis (within 1 hour if septic shock)
- Oral bioequivalent agents may be substituted for IV once clinical stability achieved (temperature <37.8°C, HR <100, RR <24, SBP ≥90, SpO₂ ≥90% on room air, tolerating orals)
- Review and de-escalate based on culture results (antibiotic stewardship)
5.2 Empirical Antibiotic Therapy
OUTPATIENT (Non-severe, no comorbidities)
| Patient Type | Preferred Regimen | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy, no recent antibiotics | Amoxicillin 1 g PO TDS × 5 days | Doxycycline 100 mg PO BD × 5 days |
| With comorbidities (COPD, DM, heart/liver/renal disease, malignancy, immunosuppression) | Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg PO BD + Azithromycin/Clarithromycin | Respiratory fluoroquinolone (Levofloxacin 750 mg OD × 5d OR Moxifloxacin 400 mg OD × 5d) |
| Atypical suspected (young, walking pneumonia) | Azithromycin 500 mg day 1, then 250 mg OD × 4 days | Doxycycline 100 mg BD × 5 days |
INPATIENT — NON-ICU (Moderate)
| Preferred | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Beta-lactam + Macrolide (Amoxicillin-clavulanate/Ceftriaxone 1–2 g IV OD + Azithromycin 500 mg OD) | Respiratory fluoroquinolone monotherapy (Levofloxacin 750 mg OD or Moxifloxacin 400 mg OD) |
INPATIENT — ICU (Severe)
| Regimen | Indication |
|---|---|
| Ceftriaxone 2 g IV OD + Azithromycin 500 mg IV OD | Standard severe CAP |
| Ceftriaxone 2 g IV OD + Levofloxacin 750 mg IV OD | If macrolide contraindicated (e.g., QT prolongation) |
| Add Vancomycin 15–20 mg/kg IV Q8–12h OR Linezolid 600 mg IV BD | Suspected MRSA (post-influenza, cavitation, necrotizing pneumonia, skin/soft tissue MRSA history, nasal MRSA screen positive) |
| Add Piperacillin-tazobactam 4.5 g IV Q6h OR Cefepime 2 g IV Q8h | Suspected Pseudomonas (structural lung disease, bronchiectasis, recent hospitalization, prior Pseudomonas infection, immunocompromised) |
2024–2025 Update (IDSA/ATS): Procalcitonin-guided therapy is now recommended to guide duration and de-escalation. A PCT <0.25 µg/L at 48–72 hours supports antibiotic discontinuation in stable patients.
5.3 Specific Pathogen-Directed Therapy
| Pathogen | Drug of Choice | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| S. pneumoniae (penicillin-sensitive) | Amoxicillin / Penicillin G | Ceftriaxone, Levofloxacin |
| S. pneumoniae (penicillin-resistant) | Ceftriaxone 2 g IV OD | Levofloxacin / Moxifloxacin |
| M. pneumoniae / C. pneumoniae | Azithromycin or Doxycycline | Levofloxacin / Moxifloxacin |
| Legionella pneumophila | Levofloxacin 750 mg OD × 5 days | Azithromycin (moderate disease) |
| MRSA | Vancomycin or Linezolid | Clindamycin (susceptible strains) |
| H. influenzae | Amoxicillin-clavulanate | Ceftriaxone, Levofloxacin |
| K. pneumoniae | Ceftriaxone or Cefepime | Piperacillin-tazobactam |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam ± fluoroquinolone/aminoglycoside | — |
| Influenza-associated | Oseltamivir 75 mg BD × 5 days (regardless of symptom duration in hospitalized) + antibacterials | — |
| PCP (P. jirovecii) | TMP-SMX (15–20 mg/kg/day of TMP IV/PO) ± Prednisolone if PaO₂ <70 mmHg | Pentamidine, Atovaquone |
5.4 Duration of Antibiotic Therapy
| Setting | Duration |
|---|---|
| Outpatient, non-severe | 5 days (clinical stability end point) |
| Inpatient, non-severe | 5–7 days |
| Severe/ICU (typical pathogens) | 7 days |
| Legionella | 5–7 days (fluoroquinolone) or 10–14 days (azithromycin) |
| S. aureus / MRSA | 7–21 days depending on bacteremia/empyema |
| Pseudomonas | 10–14 days |
| Lung abscess/aspiration | 3–6 weeks |
ATS/IDSA 2019 (reaffirmed 2023) emphasizes: minimum 5 days for most outpatient CAP if clinical stability is met — longer courses are NOT superior and increase resistance.
5.5 Supportive & Adjunctive Management
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Oxygen therapy | Target SpO₂ ≥94% (92–95% in COPD); use HFNC if escalating O₂ needs |
| IV fluids | Judicious resuscitation in septic shock; avoid fluid overload |
| Corticosteroids | Methylprednisolone 0.5 mg/kg IV BD × 5 days in severe CAP (CRP >150 mg/L); reduces treatment failure and ICU stay (IDSA 2023 conditional recommendation) |
| DVT prophylaxis | LMWH in all hospitalized patients |
| Chest physiotherapy | Indicated in lobar collapse, mucus plugging |
| Nutrition | Early enteral nutrition in ventilated patients |
| Bronchodilators | If wheeze / bronchospasm (especially in COPD) |
5.6 Patients Not Responding to Treatment
Reassess at 48–72 hours. If failing:
- Confirm diagnosis (re-CXR, CT chest)
- Broaden coverage (MRSA, Pseudomonas, Legionella)
- Consider non-infectious causes (cryptogenic organising pneumonia, vasculitis, malignancy)
- Bronchoscopy + BAL for microbiological sampling
- Exclude parapneumonic effusion / empyema (USS / CT; drain if needed)
6. Criteria for ICU Admission (ATS/IDSA 2019)
Direct admission to ICU if ANY major criterion:
- Invasive mechanical ventilation required
- Septic shock requiring vasopressors
Consider ICU if ≥3 minor criteria (see Section 4.2)
7. Prevention
| Strategy | Details |
|---|---|
| Pneumococcal vaccine | PCV20 (preferred) or PCV15 + PPSV23 for all adults ≥65, and younger adults with high-risk conditions (ACIP 2024) |
| Influenza vaccine | Annual for all ≥6 months |
| COVID-19 vaccine | Updated seasonal boosters as per local guidelines |
| RSV vaccine | Abrysvo/mRESVIA — recommended for adults ≥60 years (FDA approved 2023–2024) |
| Smoking cessation | Reduces mucociliary dysfunction and aspiration risk |
| Aspiration precautions | Head elevation 30–45°, oral hygiene in high-risk patients |
8. Special Populations
| Population | Key Consideration |
|---|---|
| HIV/AIDS | Always consider PCP; atypical presentations common |
| Post-influenza | High risk of S. aureus (MRSA) — cover empirically |
| Alcoholism | K. pneumoniae, aspiration anaerobes |
| Structural lung disease | Anti-Pseudomonas coverage required |
| Splenectomia/asplenic | Encapsulated organisms (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, N. meningitidis) — rapid fatal course |
| Pregnancy | Avoid fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines; use macrolide + beta-lactam |
| Elderly | Atypical presentations (confusion, falls, no fever); high aspiration risk; GNR more common |
Key Takeaways
- CURB-65 / PSI guide disposition; PSI preferred by ATS/IDSA
- Standard outpatient CAP: Amoxicillin (healthy) or beta-lactam + macrolide / respiratory FQ (comorbidities) × 5 days
- Severe CAP: Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin; add MRSA or Pseudomonas cover based on risk factors
- Duration: 5 days for most cases when clinical stability is achieved — do not over-treat
- Procalcitonin: use to guide stewardship and de-escalation
- Corticosteroids: consider in severe CAP with CRP >150 — conditional IDSA 2023 recommendation
- Vaccination: PCV20 + annual influenza + RSV vaccine (≥60 yrs) for prevention
Sources: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed. (p. 3799); ACEP Critical Issues in Adult CAP Management (Emergency Department), 2025 (p. 4); ATS/IDSA Community-Acquired Pneumonia Guidelines 2019 (reaffirmed 2023); IDSA Practice Guidelines 2024 updates; ACIP Immunization Schedule 2024.
Give a complete summary of Asthma
Asthma: Comprehensive Overview
Based on the 2025 GINA Summary Guide for Asthma Management and Prevention
1. Definition & Epidemiology
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory disease with many phenotypes, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It causes variable respiratory symptoms — wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, and cough — alongside variable expiratory airflow limitation.
- ~300 million people worldwide are affected
- Increasingly prevalent in developing countries
- 96% of asthma deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
- In primary care, 25–35% of patients labeled as asthma may not actually have it — confirmation with objective tests is essential
2. Pathophysiology
When a person with asthma has symptoms:
- Bronchoconstriction — airways narrow
- Airway wall thickening due to inflammation and edema
- Increased mucus production
In untreated/longstanding asthma, airflow limitation may become permanent (airway remodeling).
Triggers include:
- Viral respiratory infections (most common)
- Allergens (house dust mite, pets, pollens, cockroach)
- Tobacco smoke/vaping
- Exercise, laughter, cold air
- Stress
- Beta-blockers, NSAIDs/aspirin (in susceptible individuals)
- Occupational sensitizers
3. Diagnosis
Asthma diagnosis requires both of the following (GINA 2025, Table 1):
3.1 History of Variable Respiratory Symptoms
- Wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness, cough
- Symptoms vary in frequency and intensity
- Worse at night or on waking
- Triggered by exercise, allergens, cold air, laughter
- Often worse during viral infections
3.2 Evidence of Variable Expiratory Airflow
| Test | Adults | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Bronchodilator reversibility (FEV₁ or FVC) | ↑ ≥12% AND ≥200 mL | ↑ ≥12% of predicted |
| PEF variability (2 weeks) | >10% | >13% |
| Response to 4 weeks ICS | ↑ FEV₁ ≥12% + ≥200 mL | ↑ FEV₁ ≥12% |
| Positive bronchial challenge | (methacholine, mannitol, exercise) | |
| Variation between visits | ≥12% and ≥200 mL | ≥12% |
3.3 Type 2 Biomarkers (Supportive)
- FeNO >50 ppb (adults) / >35 ppb (children) supports Type 2 asthma
- Blood eosinophils above reference range supports Type 2 asthma
- Lower levels do not rule out asthma
3.4 Special Diagnostic Populations
| Population | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Cough-variant asthma | Cough only; confirm with bronchial challenge; treat with ICS |
| Occupational asthma | Refer urgently; remove exposure immediately |
| Pregnancy | Continue ICS; defer bronchial challenge until post-delivery |
| Elderly | May be underdiagnosed; exclude heart failure, COPD |
| Asthma + COPD overlap | Worse outcomes; treat with ICS-containing regimen |
| LMICs | Use PEF if spirometry unavailable; exclude TB, HIV-related disease |
4. Assessment of Asthma Control (GINA Table 2)
4A. Symptom Control (past 4 weeks)
Ask about:
- Daytime symptoms >2×/week?
- Night waking due to asthma?
- SABA reliever needed >2×/week?
- Any activity limitation?
| Score | Level |
|---|---|
| None of these | Well controlled |
| 1–2 | Partly controlled |
| 3–4 | Uncontrolled |
4B. Risk Factors for Exacerbations
- Uncontrolled symptoms
- SABA over-use (≥3 × 200-dose canisters/year; ≥12/year = markedly increased death risk)
- Inadequate ICS use / poor adherence / incorrect technique
- Obesity, GERD, chronic rhinosinusitis, confirmed food allergy
- Allergen exposure, smoking, vaping, air pollution
- FEV₁ <60% predicted
- Elevated blood eosinophils or high FeNO
- Prior intubation or ICU admission for asthma
4C. Severity Classification
| Severity | Definition |
|---|---|
| Mild | Controlled with as-needed low-dose ICS-formoterol, or low-dose daily ICS |
| Moderate-severe | Requires medium–high dose ICS-LABA |
| Difficult-to-treat | Uncontrolled despite medium/high ICS + second controller |
| Severe | Still uncontrolled despite high-dose ICS-LABA with good adherence |
5. Management: General Principles
Long-term goals: Control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, prevent airway damage, minimize medication side effects.
Key principle: Every patient — regardless of symptom frequency — should receive ICS-containing treatment. SABA monotherapy is not recommended due to risk of severe exacerbations and death.
Management cycle (continuous): ASSESS → ADJUST → REVIEW
6. Pharmacological Treatment: Adults & Adolescents (≥12 years)
Two Treatment Tracks
| Feature | Track 1 (Preferred) | Track 2 (Alternative) |
|---|---|---|
| Reliever | Low-dose ICS-formoterol (AIR) | SABA or ICS-SABA |
| Advantage | Reduces severe exacerbations by ~65% vs SABA; simpler (1 inhaler, all steps) | Use if ICS-formoterol unavailable or patient stable and adherent on current regimen |
Track 1 — Preferred (ICS-Formoterol as Reliever)
| Step | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Steps 1–2 | AIR-only: as-needed low-dose ICS-formoterol |
| Step 3 | MART: low-dose ICS-formoterol once–twice daily + as-needed |
| Step 4 | MART: medium-dose ICS-formoterol twice daily + as-needed |
| Step 5 | Refer for expert phenotyping + add-on biologics/LAMA |
Examples (budesonide-formoterol 160/4.5 mcg or BDP-formoterol 100/6 mcg; max 12 inhalations/day)
Track 2 — Alternative (SABA or ICS-SABA Reliever)
| Step | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | No daily ICS; take low-dose ICS whenever SABA is taken |
| Step 2 | Low-dose daily ICS + as-needed SABA |
| Step 3 | Low-dose ICS-LABA daily + SABA/ICS-SABA as needed |
| Step 4 | Medium-dose ICS-LABA daily + SABA/ICS-SABA as needed |
| Step 5 | Refer for phenotyping + add-on treatment |
Step 5: Severe Asthma Add-on Options
| Agent | Indication | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Omalizumab (anti-IgE) | Severe allergic asthma | ≥6 years |
| Mepolizumab (anti-IL-5) | Severe eosinophilic asthma | ≥6 years |
| Benralizumab (anti-IL-5Rα) | Severe eosinophilic asthma | ≥12 years |
| Reslizumab (anti-IL-5) | Severe eosinophilic asthma | ≥18 years |
| Dupilumab (anti-IL-4Rα) | Severe eosinophilic / Type 2 / OCS-dependent | ≥6 years |
| Tezepelumab (anti-TSLP) | Severe asthma (any phenotype) | ≥12 years |
| LAMA (e.g. tiotropium) | Add-on to ICS-LABA; small improvement in lung function/exacerbations | ≥6 years |
Maintenance oral corticosteroids (OCS): Last resort only; serious short- and long-term systemic effects.
7. Pharmacological Treatment: Children 6–11 Years
| Step | Preferred Treatment |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Low-dose ICS whenever SABA taken |
| Step 2 | Daily low-dose ICS + as-needed SABA |
| Step 3 | Low-dose ICS-LABA, OR medium-dose ICS, OR very-low-dose ICS-formoterol MART |
| Step 4 | Medium-dose ICS-LABA OR low-dose ICS-formoterol MART; refer to specialist |
| Step 5 | Refer for phenotyping; biologics (omalizumab, mepolizumab, dupilumab); consider LAMA add-on |
8. Stepping Down Treatment
Consider stepping down when well controlled for ≥2–3 months:
- Reduce ICS dose by 25–50%
- Do not completely stop ICS in adults/adolescents
- Review every 2–3 months before further step-down
- Ensure patient has a written action plan before stepping down
9. Non-Pharmacological Management
- Smoking/vaping cessation — at every visit
- Physical activity — encouraged; may slightly improve asthma control
- Allergen avoidance — only for confirmed sensitized patients
- Weight reduction — even 5–10% loss improves asthma control in obesity
- Manage comorbidities — allergic rhinitis (intranasal corticosteroids), GERD, OSA, anxiety/depression
- Occupational asthma — eliminate exposure; refer urgently
- Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) — avoid all NSAIDs; consider LTRA add-on
- Written asthma action plan — every patient; include daily medications, when to step up, when to use OCS, when to seek emergency care
10. Managing Exacerbations
Self-Management (written action plan)
- Track 1 (ICS-formoterol): take extra doses as needed; seek care if not improving in 2–3 days or if needing >12 inhalations/day
- Track 2 (SABA): use SABA + quadruple ICS dose for 1–2 weeks; seek care if needing SABA again within 3 hours
Oral Corticosteroids (in action plan)
- Adults: prednisolone 40–50 mg/morning × 5–7 days
- Children: prednisolone 1–2 mg/kg/day (max 40 mg) × 3–5 days
- No taper needed if course <2 weeks
Primary Care / Emergency Management
| Severity | Features | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Mild–Moderate | Talks in phrases, SpO₂ 90–95%, PEF >50% | SABA 4–10 puffs by pMDI + spacer q20min × 3; OCS for moderate; controlled O₂ (target 93–95%) |
| Severe | Talks in words, SpO₂ <90%, PEF ≤50%, RR >30, HR >120 | Transfer to acute care; give SABA + ipratropium bromide + IV/IM corticosteroid; consider IV magnesium sulfate |
| Life-threatening | Drowsy, confused, silent chest | Immediate ICU transfer |
Do not: routinely obtain CXR, blood gases, or prescribe antibiotics; do not use sedatives.
At discharge:
- Prescribe ICS-containing controller (prefer ICS-formoterol MART in adults)
- Check inhaler technique and adherence
- Provide written action plan
- Follow-up within 2–7 days (1–3 days for children)
11. Asthma in Specific Contexts
| Context | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Monitor every 4–6 weeks; continue ICS (reduces preterm birth, low birth weight, perinatal mortality); ICS and β₂-agonists safe for fetus |
| COVID-19 | Well-controlled asthma → no increased risk of severe COVID-19; continue ICS; avoid nebulizers during infection |
| Elderly | Consider arthritis, eyesight, inspiratory flow when choosing inhaler; exclude cardiac causes of breathlessness |
| Surgery | Ensure good control pre-op; continue ICS peri-operatively; give hydrocortisone peri-operatively if on long-term high-dose ICS or recent OCS |
| Food allergy | Specialist testing; ensure anaphylaxis plan with epinephrine auto-injector |
12. Key Safety Points (GINA 2025)
- Never prescribe SABA alone — increases exacerbation risk and mortality
- SABA overuse is a red flag: ≥3 canisters/year → higher exacerbation risk; ≥12 canisters/year → markedly increased death risk
- Montelukast (LTRA) — associated with serious neuropsychiatric effects including suicidal ideation; counsel patients/caregivers
- LABA should never be used without ICS in asthma
- Maintenance OCS — last resort only; multiple short courses increase long-term risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, cataract, heart failure
- ICS side effects minimized by: rinsing mouth after use (candidiasis), using spacer with pMDI, lowest effective dose
Source: GINA 2025 Summary Guide for Asthma Management and Prevention (Global Initiative for Asthma, June 2025). Full report: ginasthma.org/reports
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.