What is a primary goal when treating an acute exacerbation of asthma?

The primary goal when treating an acute exacerbation of asthma is to improve peak flow rates. During an exacerbation, patients experience an increase in airway obstruction due to bronchoconstriction and inflammation, which can significantly impair their ability to breathe effectively. Measuring peak flow rates provides a quantifiable way to assess the severity of the obstruction and the response to treatment.

When peak flow rates are improved, it indicates that the airway is opening up, and the patient's ventilation is improving, which is critical in managing acute asthma symptoms. Interventions often include the use of bronchodilators, which work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways and lead to improved airflow, as measured by peak flow.

While decreasing inflammation is also an important consideration in the overall management of asthma and is often addressed with corticosteroids, the immediate goal during an acute exacerbation is to stabilize the patient and enhance respiratory function, reflected in peak flow readings. Therefore, the focus during an acute episode is primarily on achieving immediate relief from symptoms, as represented by the improvement in peak flow rates.