Continuous versus intermittent short-acting β2-agonists nebulization as first-line therapy in hospitalized children with severe asthma exacerbation: a propensity score matching analysis

Table 1 Diagnosis of severe asthma exacerbation according to the British Guideline on the Management of Asthma for children in hospital

Age (years)	Severe asthma
Age 1–5	SpO₂ < 92%
	Too breathless to talk or eat
	HR > 140/min
	RR > 40/min
	Use of accessory neck muscles
	Without features of life-threatening asthma
Age > 5	SpO₂ < 92%
	PEF 33–50% best or predicted
	Too breathless to talk or eat
	HR > 125/min
	RR > 30/min
	Use of accessory neck muscles
	Without features of life-threatening asthma

Abbreviations: HR Heart rate; PEF Peak expiratory flow; RR Respiratory rate; SpO₂ Room air oxygen saturation

ISSN: 2054-7064