Pulmonary

Asthma Exacerbation

• Short-acting beta agonist, ipratropium for severe cases, systemic steroids.
• Magnesium sulfate for severe exacerbation not responding.
• Intubation if impending respiratory failure.

COPD Exacerbation

• Oxygen target generally 88–92% when CO₂ retention risk.
• Bronchodilators + systemic steroids.
• Antibiotics if increased sputum purulence plus dyspnea/volume or need ventilatory support.
• NIV for hypercapnic respiratory failure if no contraindication.

Ventilator Basics

• Low tidal volume strategy in ARDS.
• Increase minute ventilation to lower CO₂.
• Increase FiO₂/PEEP to improve oxygenation.
• Permissive hypercapnia may be accepted in ARDS if pH tolerable.