Final answer:
The management of severe respiratory distress in a patient with a history of asthma primarily involves the aggressive use of bronchodilators, supplemented by corticosteroids like methylprednisolone if necessary. CPAP and endotracheal intubation may be reserved for critical situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important aspect of managing a 27-year-old female with a history of asthma in severe respiratory distress is aggressive use of bronchodilators. Asthma is characterised by bronchospasms, constriction of the bronchioles, and inflammation that can inhibit air from entering the lungs. Bronchodilators quickly widen the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe. However, in cases where bronchodilators are not sufficient, additional treatments such as methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, can be administered to reduce inflammation and long-term management of asthma.
Techniques like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or more extreme measures such as endotracheal intubation may be necessary if the patient does not respond to medication and is in critical condition. These interventions are generally considered when all pharmacological treatments have failed to stabilize the patient’s condition, and they are unable to maintain their airway independently. Methylprednisolone and other corticosteroids are essential in the longer-term management plan for their anti-inflammatory properties.