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Initial Mechanical Ventilation Settings for the Intubated Asthmatic
- Approximately 2% of adult patients who present with an acute asthma exacerbation will require intubation and mechanical ventilation.
- It is critical to provide the intubated asthmatic with sufficient time for exhalation.
- Initial recommended settings for mechanical ventilation include:
- Tidal volume: 6-8 ml/kg ideal body weight
- Respiratory rate: 6-10 breaths per minute
- PEEP: 0-5 cm H2O
- Inspiratory flow rate: 80-120 L/min
- Permissive hypercapnea is tolerated to a pH of approximately 7.15
References
Long B, et al. Evaluation and management of the critically ill adult asthmatic in the emergency department setting. Am J Emerg Med. 2021;44:441-51.