Reference no: EM133476037

Case Study: Asthma

Patient Profile: Name: Emily Turner Age: 28 years Occupation: Graphic Designer Medical History: Allergic rhinitis, eczema

Chief Complaint: Emily Turner presents to the clinic with complaints of recurrent episodes of coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness, particularly during physical exertion or exposure to certain triggers. She reports experiencing these symptoms for the past five years, and they have recently started to interfere with her daily activities.

Clinical Assessment: Upon examination, the physician notes wheezing and prolonged expiration on auscultation. Emily's oxygen saturation levels are within the normal range. She also undergoes a spirometry test, which reveals reversible airflow obstruction with an increased forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) after bronchodilator administration.

Medical History: Emily has a history of allergic rhinitis and eczema, both of which are considered atopic conditions. She reports sensitivity to pet dander and dust mites, which often trigger her symptoms. Emily mentions that her symptoms have worsened recently due to increased exposure to allergens and a stressful workload.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Based on the clinical assessment and spirometry results, Emily is diagnosed with moderate persistent asthma. The physician discusses the importance of identifying and avoiding triggers, prescribes an inhaled corticosteroid as a controller medication, and provides a short-acting beta-agonist for use as a rescue inhaler during acute episodes. Emily is also advised to develop an asthma action plan and seek regular follow-up visits for monitoring and adjustment of her treatment plan.

Education and Follow-up: Emily is educated about asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and the importance of adherence to controller medication. She is encouraged to track her symptoms and peak flow readings to identify patterns and adjust her treatment accordingly. Emily is scheduled for a follow-up appointment in four weeks to evaluate her response to the prescribed medication and make any necessary adjustments.

Outcome: The case study follows up with the patient's progress, response to treatment, and any changes made to the management plan in subsequent visits.

Question 1: What are the chief complaints of the patient?

Question 2: What physical findings are observed during the clinical assessment?

Question 3: What spirometry results indicate reversible airflow obstruction?

Question 4: What is the likely diagnosis for this patient?

Question 5: What is the significance of the patient's medical history of allergic rhinitis and eczema?

Question 6: What are some common triggers for asthma symptoms?

Question 7: What is the role of controller medication in asthma management?

Question 8: What is the purpose of a rescue inhaler?

Question 9: Why is it important for the patient to develop an asthma action plan?

Question 10: What are the recommended follow-up measures for patients with asthma?