Pulmonary Function

Full Answer Section

     

• Frequent nebulizer use: His need for frequent nebulizer therapy with albuterol is another indicator of moderate to severe exacerbation.

Common Asthma Triggers: While triggers can vary from person to person, some of the most common asthma triggers include:

• Environmental allergens: Dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, and insect stings.
• Air irritants: Smoke, air pollution, strong odors, and cold air.
• Respiratory infections: Common colds, flu, and sinusitis can trigger asthma attacks.
• Exercise-induced asthma: Physical exertion can trigger asthma in some individuals.
• Emotional stress: Anxiety, fear, and anger can worsen asthma symptoms.
• Certain medications: Aspirin, beta-blockers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can trigger asthma in some people.

Possible Triggers for D.R.'s Asthma Attack: Based on the available information, some of the potential triggers for D.R.'s asthma attack could be:

• Upper respiratory infection: The recent onset of stuffy nose, watery eyes, and postnasal drainage suggests a possible upper respiratory infection, which can be a common trigger for asthma attacks.
• Environmental allergens: It's difficult to say without further information, but depending on the season and D.R.'s environment, exposure to allergens like pollen or mold could be contributing to his symptoms.
• Stress: While not mentioned in the case study, increased stress levels could be a factor, especially if he's facing any work or personal challenges.

Etiology of D.R.'s Asthma: Several factors can contribute to the development of asthma, including:

• Genetics: A family history of asthma significantly increases the risk.
• Early-life exposures: Exposure to smoke, pollution, or allergens during childhood can increase the risk.
• Immune system factors: Certain immune system responses may play a role in asthma development.
• Socioeconomic factors: Lack of access to healthcare and environmental risks in disadvantaged communities can contribute to higher asthma rates.

Unfortunately, the provided information is limited, and a thorough assessment of D.R.'s family history, environmental exposures, and potential socioeconomic factors would be necessary to fully explore the etiology of his asthma.  

Sample Solution

     

Assessment of D.R.'s Asthma Attack Severity:

Based on the case study information, D.R.'s asthma attack can be classified as moderate to severe. Here's why:

• Symptoms: His increasing shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, cough, and persistent nasal symptoms indicate a significant exacerbation of his asthma.
• Peak flow rates: Consistently low peak flow rates (65-70% of baseline) suggest impaired lung function and airflow limitation.
• Nocturnal symptoms: Nighttime asthma symptoms for three nights are a sign of a more severe attack.
• Limited response to albuterol: The usual effectiveness of his albuterol inhaler no longer providing relief further indicates a worsening attack.