Acute asthma & COPD exacerbation

Asthma & COPD on call: assess severity the RIGHT way.

Asthma and COPD may look similar — 

but severity assessment and escalation are different, 

and mixing them up can be dangerous.

Asthma (acute):

Severity is based on speech, RR, SpO₂, PEFR, mental status, and CO₂ trends.

⚠️ A normal or rising CO₂ in asthma = life-threatening.

COPD (acute exacerbation):

Severity is based on clinical status + ABG — NOT FEV₁.

FEV₁ is for stable COPD, not for acute decision-making.

On call, focus on:

• Work of breathing

• Oxygen requirements

• ABG (pH, PaCO₂)

• Mental status

• Response to initial treatment

📌 Rule to remember:

Asthma → inflammation → steroids early

COPD → ventilation problem → NIV early

Save it. Review it. Use it on call.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only.

It does not replace your hospital protocols or

senior guidance, and is not medical advice.

✨ Perfect for:

• Final-year medical students
• New interns / house officers
• Residents who want a quick structured refresher

📌 Download it, save it, and carry calm into your next night on call.