A mother brings her ten-year-old daughter to their family doctor because she has been experiencing frequent coughing and wheezing, and sometimes she struggles to catch her breath. What might the doctor say to her mother, and what might be the best form of treatment? A paragraph and it’s due Saturday so I need it by 3 pm central time on 6-9-2018
According to the American Lung Association, the symptoms of frequent coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing in a ten-year-old girl could be indicative of asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. When the airways become inflamed, they produce excess mucus and tighten, resulting in coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Given the described symptoms, the doctor is likely to suspect asthma and may provide a preliminary diagnosis to the mother. The doctor could say that the next step would be to conduct further tests, such as spirometry and peak flow measurements, to confirm the diagnosis. Spirometry measures lung function by assessing how much air a person can exhale forcefully and how quickly. Peak flow measurements, on the other hand, measure the maximum speed at which air can be expelled from the lungs. These tests are important to establish a baseline of lung function as they will help monitor the effectiveness of treatment and measure any improvements that may occur over time. Regarding treatment, the doctor would likely recommend a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions tailored to the specific needs of the child. The main goal of asthma treatment is to achieve and maintain asthma control, thereby minimizing symptoms and preventing exacerbations.
The doctor may discuss with the mother the importance of identifying and avoiding triggers that worsen the daughter’s asthma symptoms. Common triggers can include allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites), irritants (e.g., smoke, air pollution), and respiratory infections. By minimizing exposure to these triggers, the daughter’s symptoms may be reduced. Additionally, the doctor may advise implementing strategies to manage symptoms during asthma attacks, such as using a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler. These inhalers provide quick relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways and allowing them to open up.
In addition to trigger avoidance and quick-relief medication, the doctor may prescribe a long-term control medication to manage the daughter’s asthma on a daily basis. These medications, typically taken in the form of inhaled corticosteroids, work by reducing the inflammation in the airways. By reducing inflammation, they help prevent symptoms and improve lung function. It is crucial for the mother to understand the importance of consistent and regular use of these medications to achieve optimal control and minimize potential side effects.
The doctor may also discuss the use of a written asthma action plan—a personalized document to guide the management of the daughter’s asthma. This plan includes instructions on how to recognize worsening symptoms, when to adjust medication dosages, and when to seek emergency care. By following this plan, the mother can play an active role in her daughter’s asthma management and respond promptly to changes in her condition.
Furthermore, the doctor may encourage the mother and daughter to participate in asthma education programs or support groups. These programs aim to empower patients and their families by providing essential knowledge about asthma, teaching proper medication techniques, and offering strategies to cope with asthma-related challenges. By engaging in such programs, the mother and daughter can gain confidence and become well-equipped to manage their daughter’s asthma effectively.
In conclusion, the doctor’s response to the mother’s concerns about her ten-year-old daughter’s symptoms of coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing would likely involve a discussion about the possibility of asthma. The doctor may recommend performing additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and establish a baseline for lung function. The treatment plan would likely include a combination of trigger avoidance, quick-relief medication, long-term control medication, and the use of a written asthma action plan. Additionally, the doctor may suggest participation in asthma education programs or support groups to further empower the mother and daughter in managing the condition.