A 45-year-old woman develops breathlessness and wheezing following a cold. What features would you seek to support a diagnosis of asthma? A 28-year-old married with a family histor... A 45-year-old woman develops breathlessness and wheezing following a cold. What features would you seek to support a diagnosis of asthma? A 28-year-old married with a family history of ischemic heart disease presents with exertional chest pain. Discuss the investigation and management.
Understand the Problem
The question presents two clinical scenarios requiring evaluation and diagnosis in a medical context. The first scenario involves a woman presenting with respiratory symptoms after a cold, asking for features to support a diagnosis of asthma. The second scenario concerns a man with a family history of ischemic heart disease and chest pain, prompting a discussion on investigation and management strategies.
Answer
Asthma: episodic symptoms, spirometry. Chest pain: ECG, stress test, medication.
To support a diagnosis of asthma, look for episodic symptoms, response to bronchodilators, and presence of triggers. For the 28-year-old, conduct ECG and stress tests, and use medications like nitrates or beta-blockers.
Answer for screen readers
To support a diagnosis of asthma, look for episodic symptoms, response to bronchodilators, and presence of triggers. For the 28-year-old, conduct ECG and stress tests, and use medications like nitrates or beta-blockers.
More Information
Asthma is characterized by wheezing and episodic breathlessness often triggered by allergies or infections. Ischemic heart disease involves chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, commonly investigated with ECG and stress testing.
Tips
A common mistake is not confirming asthma with spirometry. For chest pain, don't overlook a detailed family history.
Sources
- Heart disease in women: Understand symptoms and risk factors - mayoclinic.org
- Chest pain during exercise: Causes and what to do - medicalnewstoday.com
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
