Reference no: EM133507255

Question

A 30-year-old male presents to your office for follow-up after he had an Emergency Department visit for an asthma attack. He has had intermittent symptoms since he was a teenager, but never required emergency care. He has never been admitted, nor required intubation for his asthma. He has an albuterol inhaler but it is old and expired. He reports that he has recently begun needing to use his Albuterol inhaler 3-4 times per week, previously he needed to use it only 1-2 times per month. He reports that the symptoms are worse in the fall and during exercise. He smokes occasionally and owns a dog. He works at a printing shop.

In non-medical words, explain the pathophysiology of asthma and what you would tell the patient is the likely cause of his symptoms. Discuss the importance of having an asthma action plan and explain what medications you would order for this patient at his present level of asthma severity.