What is the primary concern for a patient with severe asthma?

The primary concern for a patient with severe asthma is indeed the risk of bronchospasm leading to airway obstruction. In asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrowed due to various triggers, such as allergens, exercise, or respiratory infections. When a severe asthma attack occurs, bronchospasm—the tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways—can significantly restrict airflow. This can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the body, resulting in hypoxia, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. The focus on airway obstruction highlights the critical nature of maintaining clear and open airways in individuals with asthma, especially during acute episodes.

While the risk of respiratory infection, potential for dehydration, and possibility of anxiety attacks are valid concerns, they do not pose as immediate and direct a threat to the patient's survival as airway obstruction does in the context of severe asthma. Bronchospasm is central to the pathophysiology of an asthma attack and requires immediate intervention to restore proper breathing.