Question

Respiratory Therapy

Asthma Case Study

Initial History:

15 yo girl complaining of chest tightness and dyspnea

Mowing lawn when symptoms develop

Prodrome of rhinorrhea and tearing along with chest symptoms

Felt no better after going outside

Now one hour later

Additional information:

Hx of asthma since childhood, mother and brother have asthma

Allergic to grass, ragweed and cats

Productive cough clear phlegm

Uses a “blue” inhaler for past six months, BID

No other hx

Now what do you think about her history?

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, I would begin treating the patient for an acute asthma attack due to allergen exposure and maintain a patent airway. Due to the patient using a “blue inhaler” for the past six months on an as-needed basis, and not knowing the name of her medication or its intended use, a diagnosis of poorly controlled chronic asthma would also be added.

The clear sputum makes it less likely infection related. “Blue” inhaler indicates at some point in her past she’s needed prescribed a medication to help with her breathing so I would ask about what was going on with her health when she was prescribed the “blue” inhaler.