Revista de la Facultad de Medicina

Magnesium sulfate in the management of severe asthma exacerbation in older adults

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37345/23045329.v3i1.155

Case reports | Publicado: 2025-06-30

Autores:

  • Claudia Gabriela Clavijo Rosales
  • Edison Geovanny Calvo Campoverde
  • Martha Nicole Tamayo Amores
  • Bernardo Esteban Zamora Cornejo
  • Juan José Reinoso Calle
    UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE CUENCA

Introduction: Severe asthmatic crises represent a life-threatening medical emergency, characterized by intense dyspnea, wheezing and respiratory compromise. Standard treatment includes oxygen therapy, rapid-acting bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids; however, in refractory cases, intravenous magnesium sulfate is considered a complementary strategy with bronchodilator effects.  Objective:  We present the case of a 72-year-old patient with inadequate use of bronchodilators, which triggered a severe asthmatic crisis.  Clinical findings: In the absence of response to conventional treatment, intravenous magnesium sulfate was administered, achieving a significant improvement in pulmonary function and oxygenation.   Conclusion:  This case highlights the usefulness of magnesium sulfate in severe asthmatic crises and the importance of individualized management based on updated guidelines, such as GINA 2023, to optimize treatment and reduce morbidity and mortality in asthmatic patients.

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Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Francisco Marroquín

Email: revistamedicina@ufm.edu

ISSN online 2304-5353 / ISSN printed 2304-5329

 

Cómo citar

Magnesium sulfate in the management of severe asthma exacerbation in older adults. (2025). Revista De La Facultad De Medicina, 3(1), 28-38. https://doi.org/10.37345/23045329.v3i1.155