Question

Case Study: A 12-year-old girl who presents to the walk-in clinic complaining of shortness of breath and dry cough that has been present for 3 weeks. It is worse at nighttime and with activity. When she plays soccer with her friends, she often feels tight in the chest after a few minutes of play. On further questioning, the patient admits to occasional episodes of shortness of breath and coughing over the last 2-3 years, but never this severe. These episodes usually occur in the fall and are triggered by high humidity and cigarette smoke. At times, the cough sounds like wheezing.

Question: Based on the clinical and/or laboratory presentation of this case, what is your final diagnosis? Why?

Answer 1

As per the details provided in this case it can be diagnosed as Asthma.Asthma is a inflammatory condition of airways of the lungs . Here the child is 12 year old ,who had the symptoms for last 2 to 3 years . The most common symptom of Asthma is shortness breath and cough which become worse at night with activity . Increased activity causes chest tightness ,here the child after playing feels tightness in the chest . The main risk factors that lead to asthma is high humidity , and exposure to irritants like chemical fumes or smoking . Here it is clear that these factors makes the child’s symptoms worsen leading to wheezing . So , finally we can conclude that this 12 year child is suffering from Asthma .