What is the most useful parameter for tracking improvement in acute asthma?

In the context of tracking improvement in acute asthma, FEV1, or Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, serves as a critical criterion. FEV1 measures the volume of air that an individual can forcefully exhale in one second. In acute asthma exacerbations, patients typically experience airway constriction and inflammation, which directly impair their ability to expel air swiftly. As treatment is administered, monitoring FEV1 provides direct insight into the resolution of airway obstruction and the effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy.

An increase in FEV1 indicates improvements in airflow and breathing capacity, making it a reliable indicator of how well a patient is responding to treatment during an asthma attack. In clinical settings, FEV1 can be compared to baseline values, allowing healthcare providers to assess improvement quantitatively.

While PEF (Peak Expiratory Flow) is also a useful measurement in asthma management, it can be influenced by various factors and may not provide the same level of precision in assessing small changes in airway function compared to FEV1. Similarly, although pCO2 and blood gas analysis can inform about the respiratory status and whether there is a build-up of carbon dioxide, they do not provide a direct measure of airflow obstruction, which is crucial in