Which treatment is recommended for severe bronchospasm during respiratory compromise?

Which treatment is recommended for severe bronchospasm during respiratory compromise?

• A. IV fluids
• B. Beta blocker
• C. CPAP
• D. Immediate intubation for all

Answer: (C)

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation with CPAP helps during severe bronchospasm by delivering constant positive pressure that keeps airways open at the end of each breath. This reduces airway collapse, improves alveolar recruitment, increases oxygenation, and eases the work of breathing. It’s appropriate for a patient who is conscious, able to protect their airway, and can cooperate with the device, and it can prevent or delay the need for intubation. IV fluids don’t address the airway narrowing, and a beta blocker would worsen bronchospasm by blocking bronchodilating receptors. Intubating a patient with severe bronchospasm isn’t automatically required for all cases; it’s reserved for those who cannot maintain ventilation or airway protection despite noninvasive support or who rapidly deteriorate.

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation with CPAP helps during severe bronchospasm by delivering constant positive pressure that keeps airways open at the end of each breath. This reduces airway collapse, improves alveolar recruitment, increases oxygenation, and eases the work of breathing. It’s appropriate for a patient who is conscious, able to protect their airway, and can cooperate with the device, and it can prevent or delay the need for intubation.

IV fluids don’t address the airway narrowing, and a beta blocker would worsen bronchospasm by blocking bronchodilating receptors. Intubating a patient with severe bronchospasm isn’t automatically required for all cases; it’s reserved for those who cannot maintain ventilation or airway protection despite noninvasive support or who rapidly deteriorate.