Reference no: EM133272128

Question - Hilda Wilde is a 45-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with asthma as a child. She recalls her first asthma attack being horrendous; chest tightness, breathing difficulty, wheezing, feeling anxious, and sweating profusely. She was rushed to and spent many days in hospital as a child until she managed to identify the triggers for her asthma attacks and control them early. The triggers she identified were cold temperature, pollen, smoky environment, and respiratory infection/cold, which continue to be the triggers throughout her adult life. She also developed hay fever and an allergy to penicillin in her 20's, which didn't surprise her as her mum also had these conditions.

One spring day, Hilda is traveling with her husband as she is finding herself stressed by her work. However, in the afternoon, a thunderstorm approaches and she quickly develops the wheeze and tightness she dreads. Her husband notices Hilda is struggling and helps her with her bronchodilator inhaler. However, Hilda's wheezing and shortness of breath does not ease off, even with her inhaler. She finds it hard to talk or get up and walk. Her lips start to turn blue. Hilda's husband rushes her to hospital where she is given corticosteroids. She is told she must stay in hospital a few days so that her condition can be monitored.

A few days later, Hilda's asthma is under control, and she is now discharged from hospital. She is told to take her preventer medication every day, even if she is feeling well.

Question 1 - Hilda has been told to take her 'preventer' medication every day. Name the broad drug category preventer medications belong to, describe their mechanism of action, and explain their benefits in Hilda's case.

Describe the benefit of topically administered preventers in Hilda's case.

Question 2 - Hilda has been advised about the possibility of oral thrush. Explain how Hilda can prevent oral thrush from occurring by discussing therapy options.

Question 3 - Describe how the thunderstorm could have contributed to Hilda's asthma. In answer you must discuss the link between allergen exposure and an asthma attack.