indications for mechanical ventilation in asthma

Last reviewed 01/2018

Mechanical ventilation should not be delayed if the patient is moribund:

  • if the PaO2 is less than 6.5kPa and falling
  • if the PaCO2 is more than 6.5kPa and rising
  • if the pH is less than 7.3 and falling
  • if there is cardiorespiratory arrest
  • if there is increasing respiratory distress and exhaustion