This case study in respiratory medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating breathlessness in an outpatient clinic setting. It outlines a four-step process, beginning with physical examination and history evaluation, including vital signs, breathing patterns, and patient history of cough, smoking, and other relevant factors. Step two involves assessing the presentation of acute breathlessness using interventions like FBC, thyroid tests, ECG, and spirometry. The study emphasizes key indicators such as oxygen saturation, respiration rate, and pulse rate. Step three covers diagnostic decisions based on examination outcomes and historical assessments, including spirometry and CT scans where necessary. Finally, step four details treatment strategies based on diagnostic decisions, including guidelines for tobacco dependency, exercise programs, pulmonary rehabilitation, and medication considerations such as SABA, LABA, and LAMA. The study includes a flowchart summarizing the diagnosis process and highlights acute breathlessness indicators. The case study provides a framework for healthcare professionals to evaluate and manage patients presenting with breathlessness.
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