Question

A 22-year-old man with known asthma presents to ED with severe dyspnoea, inability to complete sentences, RR 32 breaths/min, SpO₂ 90% on room air and widespread wheeze. There is no stridor. What is the most important immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

High-dose inhaled salbutamol via spacer and systemic corticosteroids

Answer

Nebulised ipratropium alone

Answer

Intravenous salbutamol infusion

Answer

Oral montelukast

Answer

Non-invasive ventilation without bronchodilators

Practice question

A 22-year-old man with known asthma presents to ED with severe dyspnoea, inability to complete sentences, RR 32 breaths/min, SpO₂ 90% on room air and widespread wheeze. There is no stridor. What is the most important immediate treatment?