Discharge of the asthmatic patient

Asthma continues to be a challenging disease to treat in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The growing database on therapeutic interventions at the time of transition from the acute to chronic phase of this disease is encouraging. Glucocorticoids and inhaled β-agonists clearly reduce readmission and relapse. other medications and educational interventions also appear effective. Still, no true discharge guidelines have been established. Multiple statements by consensus panels have recommended using FEV₁ or PEFR as indicators of readiness for discharge, but this has not been prospectively validated from either the emergency department or patient setting. In contrast, some studies argue that pulmonary function do not accurately predict relapse and readmission, so the usefulness of these discharge recommendations is debatable. Large studies, especially in the adult asthmatic population, are needed to validate these recommendation.