Treatment with bronchodilators and oral corticosteroids should be given as soon as possible in an acute asthma exacerbation. In moderate exacerbations, hospital admission is based on multiple factors, including response to initial treatment, known reduction in baseline lung function, history of exacerbations, particularly previous need for critical care involvement, and ability to cope at home. Patients with features of acute severe or life-threatening asthma should be referred to hospital immediately following initial assessment.