Confirmatory testing
An 18 year old college student reports a history of episodic attacks of shortness of breath, dry cough, and wheezing for the last 5 years. These symptoms usually occur during a change of weather or whenever she “catches a cold”. Symptoms also reported to worsen during night and early morning. Accompanying symptoms of recurrent sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
The patient reports she was prescribed some inhaler medications by her practitioner two years ago for use as needed. She stopped the meds as she was concerned over inhaler dependence. Intermittently she takes cough syrup during “attacks” with some help.
PMH: No diagnosed chronic illnesses
SH: College student, single, lives with parents. Father is smoker in the home, use dry wood in the home in fireplace
ROS:
Constitutional: Denies fever, denies weight loss
Respiratory: Denies hemoptysis, reports mostly dry cough
Cardiovascular: Tightness in chest at times
ENT: Denies ear pain, mild rhinorrhea reported, scratchy throat intermittently
Question answers should be based on evidence found in readings and from peer-reviewed literature. At least two sources must be used and cited in APA format for each question. Only one source can be a textbook. Resources should generally be within 5 years unless you are explaining the pathophysiology of a disease or providing pertinent background information.
Discussion Questions:
- Based on the history provided, the health care provider suspects asthma with varying frequency and intensity. Describe whether this condition is restrictive or obstructive and support with evidence.
- Describe the pathophysiologic process that occurs with asthma and support with evidence from the literature.
- Explain what confirmatory testing is evidence based practice for diagnosing asthma and how this information can guide the treatment plan.
