Based on her medical and social history, Darla Thomas’s symptoms are most likely the result of asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory disease caused by airflow obstruction and has intermittent symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and cough (Hammer and McPhee, 2019). Triggers of the inflammatory response could be caused by allergens, which in Darla’s case would be pet dander from her roommates cat as well as the occasional cigarette. 

Asthmatic exacerbations are the result of the activation of inflammatory cells. As stated in out textbook, the strongest predisposing factor of the development of asthma is the production immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to allergen exposure (Hammer and McPhee, 2019). As the epithelium of the airway plays a key role in preserving lung tissue through particle clearance and fluid balance, direct injury to these cells may be the triggering event in the development of asthma (Fehrenbach, Wagner & Wegman, 2017). As  inflammatory cells invade the epithelium, the airway mucosa becomes thick and edematous. Mucus hypersecretion occurs, which then results in mucus plugging of the airways and smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness and bronchoconstriction (Hammer & McPhee, 2019). 

Pulmonary function testing will be ordered in order to accurately diagnose Darla, however if she is not experiencing an exacerbation at the time of testing her results may be normal. Typically, in an asthmatic patient the studies will show reduced expiratory airflow as well as a reduced FVC (forced vital capacity) which is a result in air trapping. Air trapping occurs with premature closing of the airway before full expiration. The testing may also show an increase in total lung capacity (Hammer and McPhee, 2019).

The treatment plan for Darla will include education focused on triggers and early detection of an exacerbation to allow for prompt treatment. In terms of symptoms and prevention, the goal is to decrease the number of exacerbations and to maintain current lung function. The daily use of inhaled glucocorticoid can reduce the severity of of symptoms and prevent exacerbations. Use of a rescue inhaler such as albuterol will rapidly relieve the sypmtoms of an exacerbation (Lazarus, 2018). Regular follow up and repeat pulmonary function testing should be done after the initiation of treatment and yearly thereafter. N512-19A Module Three: Respiratory Disease Across the Life Span

Hammer, G., & McPhee, S. (2019). Pathophysiology of disease: An introduction to clinical medicine (8th ed). McGraw-Hill

Fehrenbach, H., Wagner, C., & Wegmann, M. (2017). Airway remodeling in asthma: What really matters. Cell and Tissue Research, 367(3), 551-569. doi:http://dx.doi.org.americansentinel.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s00441-016-2566-8

Lazarus, S. C., M.D. (2018). On-demand versus maintenance inhaled treatment in mild asthma. The New England Journal of Medicine, 378(20), 1940-1942. doi:http://dx.doi.org.americansentinel.idm.oclc.org/10.1056/NEJMe1802680

447 words

In reply to ME

Re: Discussion 3

by Amanda – 
Michelle,
I like how you mentioned immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies being a predisposing factor, I hadn’t thought about mentioning that in my post. It seems Ms. Thomas’s symptoms are being triggered from allergens such as smoking, cat dander, and/or environmental (pollen, dust, mold, etc.). Ms. Thomas’s father has asthma; Asthma is also known to be an inheritable disease (Rebar, 2019) which could be a contributing factor to Ms. Thomas’s asthma. The best treatment for asthma is preventing and avoiding precipitating factors, such as environmental allergens or irritants (Rebar, 2019). Educating Ms. Thomas on avoiding tiggers such as smoking and talking to her roommate about removing the cat would be of priority. However, some triggers may be unavoidable such as pollen, dust, mold, etc. I would consider prescribing Ms. Thomas a short-acting beta-agonist such as Albuterol in which she can take during an asthma attack to relieve symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath (U.S National Library of Medicine, 2020). I might also refer Ms. Thomas to a pulmonologist or (someone mentioned in my post) also referring to an allergy specialist for a better understanding on what triggers are causing Ms. Thomas’s attacks which could help her know what tiggers to avoid. For example, if pollen is contributing to Ms. Thomas’s asthma attacks, she may want to avoid going outdoors when pollen counts are high.Great Post
Amanda

Reference

Rebar, C., Heimgartner, N., & Gersch, C. (2019). Pathophysiology made incredibly easy (6th ed). Wolters Kluwer

U.S National Library of Medicine. (13 January 2020). Asthma quick relief drugs. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000008.htm

267 words

In reply to ME

Re: Discussion 3

by SJ – 

Michetle,

It is true that asthma is the most likely condition for the patient based on the exhibited condition. They are also related to the family history and environmental conditions. The cat, spring relation, smoking and an asthmatic father indicate the probability of respiratory dell inflammation hence the need for management.

51 words N512-19A Module Three: Respiratory Disease Across the Life Span