This patient has an acute asthma exacerbation most likely due to a viral upper respiratory infection. Several published treatment guidelines recommend the use of systemic corticosteroids for the following:
Meta-analyses demonstrate that patients treated with a short course of systemic corticosteroids had fewer future exacerbations requiring hospitalization and decreased use of reliever medications. In addition, patients given systemic corticosteroids within an hour of presentation were significantly less likely to be admitted to the hospital.
The optimal dosage and duration of corticosteroid therapy have not been determined; however, general recommendations are prednisone 40-60 mg daily for 5-7 days.