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'''Acute Severe Asthma'''

'''Acute severe asthma''' (pronunciation: /əˈkjuːt ˈsiːvər æsˈmə/), also known as '''status asthmaticus''', is a life-threatening form of [[asthma]] that can occur suddenly and does not respond to standard [[asthma treatment]].

==Etymology==
The term "acute" comes from the Latin ''acutus'', meaning "sharp" or "severe". The term "asthma" is derived from the Greek ''asthma'', which means "panting" or "labored breathing".

==Definition==
Acute severe asthma is a medical emergency characterized by severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and bluish coloration of the lips or face. It can occur in individuals with a history of [[asthma]], but it can also occur in those without a previous diagnosis.

==Symptoms==
The symptoms of acute severe asthma can include:

* Severe shortness of breath
* Rapid breathing
* Chest tightness
* Wheezing
* Coughing
* Difficulty speaking
* Anxiety or panic
* Fatigue

==Causes==
Acute severe asthma can be triggered by various factors, including:

* Allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander)
* Respiratory infections
* Exercise
* Cold air
* Certain medications
* Stress

==Treatment==
Treatment for acute severe asthma typically involves immediate medical attention and may include:

* Oxygen therapy
* Inhaled bronchodilators
* Systemic corticosteroids
* Possible hospitalization

==Related Terms==
* [[Asthma]]
* [[Bronchodilator]]
* [[Corticosteroid]]
* [[Respiratory infection]]
* [[Allergen]]

==See Also==
* [[Chronic Asthma]]
* [[Asthma exacerbation]]
* [[Asthma management]]

[[Category:Medical Dictionary]]
[[Category:Asthma]]
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
[[Category:Emergency medicine]]

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