Asthma exacerbation
Acute worsening of asthma symptoms (dyspnea, cough, wheeze, chest tightness) and decline in lung function requiring additional therapy. GINA 2024 foundation therapy includes short-acting β2-agonists (salbutamol) and short-course systemic glucocorticoids (prednisolone 40–50 mg for 5–7 days or equivalent). Severe flares need nebulized therapy, oxygen, and admission.
ICD-10 J45.92 drugs
Also known as: Acute asthma attack, Asthma flare
Drugs used for this condition
- APrednisoneFirst line · Short-to-medium acting systemic glucocorticoidFirst-line systemic glucocorticoid for asthma exacerbation. GEMA 5.4 recommends oral prednisone 40–50 mg/day for 5–7 days without tapering when the course is under 14 days.
- BDeflazacortSecond line · Systemic glucocorticoid (oxazoline derivative)Used in moderate asthma exacerbations in patients intolerant of prednisolone or with GI complaints on it. Dose 30 mg once daily for 5 days. GINA 2024 first-line for moderate flares is oral prednisolone 40–50 mg for 5–7 days; deflazacort is an alternative for individual reasons.
How to read tiers A–F
Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.
- AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
- BRecommended in selected cases
- CStudy data contradict each other
- DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
- FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit