History

The following information should be obtained when a patient with asthma presents to the ED with shortness of breath or wheeze [2]:

• Time of onset of symptoms
• Onset abrupt or gradual?
• Pleuritic chest pain?
• Fever?
• Cough (and nature of cough)?
• Current medication
• Compliant with medications?
• Allergies?
• Specific questioning about current/recent use of steroids
• Frequency of use of β2 agonist
• Any treatment given by emergency responders/ambulance staff?
• Specific questioning about use of aspirin, NSAID’s and beta-blockers
• Pregnant?
• Previous best PEFR (in the last 2 years)
• Smoker?