Intubating and mechanically ventilating the asthmatic patient can be frought with potential complications that markedly increase morbidity and mortality.
In the ventilated asthmatic who develops persistent or worsening hypoxemia, evaluate the patient for the following complications:
right main stem intubation
pneumothorax
ETT displacement
ETT obstruction
air leak around the ETT
gastric distention (decreases respiratory system compliance)
ventilator malfunction
progressive bronchospasm
References
Brenner R, Corbridge T, Kazzi A. Intubation and mechanical ventilation of the asthmatic patient in respiratory failure. JEM 2009;37(2S):S23-34.
