Final answer:
Severe asthmatic exacerbations are primarily treated with short-acting bronchodilators, oxygen supplementation, and corticosteroids to alleviate symptoms quickly and to improve breathing. Non-invasive or mechanical ventilation may be required in critical situations. Long-term management includes inhaled corticosteroids and avoidance of triggers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first-line treatments for severe asthmatic exacerbation or respiratory failure include the use of short-acting bronchodilators, often administered through an inhaler or, for those who have difficulty using an inhaler, a nebulizer. These medications, which include fast-acting beta-agonists like albuterol, work by rapidly relaxing tightened muscles around the airways, leading to swift relief of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In addition to bronchodilators, oxygen may be administered to improve hypoxemia, and corticosteroids can be given to reduce airway inflammation.
In critical situations, non-invasive ventilation (like CPAP) or mechanical ventilation may be necessary if the patient is experiencing significant respiratory distress and is not responding adequately to initial medical therapy. These interventions help by ensuring the patient's airways remain open and by decreasing the work of breathing, allowing time for medications to take effect and improving overall oxygenation.
Long-term control treatments for asthma such as inhaled corticosteroids and other maintenance medications are essential to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, but they are not used for immediate symptom relief during an acute exacerbation. Preventive measures also play a critical role in asthma management, which includes avoiding known triggers such as environmental allergens, tobacco smoke, and air pollution.