Background: As there is limited information available on clinical profile of Bronchial asthma patients, its important for the physicians to know the distinct characteristics of Acute asthma.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical profile of Acute asthma in adult patients.
Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective study conducted on 52 patients over a period of 6 months  from May 2011 to October 2012. Asthma was diagnosed based on detailed history,  clinical examination and spirometry.
Results : The clinical characteristics 52 patients participated in the study were expressed in percentage. Age distribution was 17.3% in <20yrs, 42.3% in 21–40yrs, 40.4% in >40yrs of age. Sex distribution was 63.4% of males  and 36.6%of females.80.8% resided in urban area whereas 19.2% in rural area. Difficulty in breathing is the predominat symptom.Duration of illness of bronchial asthma was 19.2% (<10yrs), 50%(11–20yrs), 25%(21–30yrs) and 5.8%(>30yrs).75% of patients with seasonal variation and 25% with no seasonal variation. Diurnal variation was demonstrated in76.9%  of patients but  not in the rest 23.1%. Positive history of allergy is seen in  80.8% and  is negative in 19.2%. 59.6% of patients  have a positive family history and 40.4% do not. The frequency of illness was  38.5%(daily),21.1%(<2/week) and 40.4%(>2/ week). Most of the cases had respiratory rate of 25–30/min(82.7%) and  <90  oxygen saturation (92.3%). On Peak expiratory flow rate, 61.6%  had 200 – 250L/min. Almost all 52 patients had a history of intravenous steroid administration  and only 26.9% had history of  prophylactic therapy with inhaler . We observed those  on prophylactic therapy with inhaler were not admitted for treatment (23.1%).  30% had a history of admission in Intensive medical care Unit.

Conclusion : Patients with acute asthma show a distinct clinical profile which can be used in clinical practice.