Recognising and managing acute asthma attacks in adults in the emergency department

Asthma affects an estimated 7.2 million people in the UK and is characterised by airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction and variable airflow obstruction. Emergency nurses frequently encounter adults experiencing an acute asthma attack in the emergency department, making a sound understanding of asthma essential for safe and effective care. This article provides an overview of respiratory anatomy and physiology and of asthma pathophysiology, linking it to clinical presentation and severity classification. It outlines key pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions used during acute asthma attacks, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, patient positioning and reassurance. The importance of objective measures of respiratory function, such as peak expiratory flow rate, is discussed. The article also highlights the role of emergency nurses in patient education to support self-management and help prevent future exacerbations.