I Cant Stop Coughing Case Review

Table of Contents

Introduction
Test Results
Prescribed Medications
Conclusion
Reference

Introduction

Prevention and management of asthma as a chronic condition is a challenging task that requires appropriate assistance form a healthcare expert. The case of Mike from Minnesota illustrates the symptoms of cold-induced asthma: a lingering dry cough and difficulty catching his breath (I cant stop coughing: A case study on the respiratory system, n.d.). This paper is aimed at discussing he case with reference to test results and prescribed medications.

Test Results

As the details of Mikes case demonstrate, the results of his breathing tests (both FVC and FEV1) are 65%. It is not possible to consider these values as normal and indicative of Mikes proper health. It is clear that Mike is relatively young, and, in young people, the mentioned parameters should be at least 80% to indicate the absence of significant respiratory health issues. Lower FVC and FEV1 values are sometimes considered normal when it comes to older adults, which is obviously not the case: Mike is experiencing an asthmatic attack, his forced vital capacity (FVC) is 65%, and his FEV1 is 65% (I cant stop coughing: A case study on the respiratory system, n.d.). Based on how FVC tests are performed, it is possible to say that Mikes test results point to the presence of obstructions to normal airflow. In the cases of the so-called winter or cold-induced asthma, exposure to cold air and other contributing factors causes the narrowing of airways, thus increasing airway resistance. Despite breathing with force, Mike is unable to compensate for this increased resistance by creating enough pressure inside of his lungs, and, therefore, the airflow remains insufficient as Mike is audibly wheezing, coughing, and short of breath (I cant stop coughing: A case study on the respiratory system, n.d.).

Prescribed Medications

According to the case, Mike should use albuterol prior to exercising in cold weather. This drugs mechanism of action is linked with its ability to activate beta-2 adrenergic receptors in airway smooth muscle. When they are activated, a complex process of signal transduction takes place. As a result of this process, the relaxation of smooth muscle can be observed after using the drug in question. Next, smooth muscle relaxation results in bronchodilation or the expansion of the bronchial air passages. Bronchodilation has a variety of positive outcomes in the cases of asthma since it basically opens the airways and reduces airway resistance one of the main causes of breathing issues in asthma patients. Mikes condition, in particular, the various symptoms of asthma, including hissing respiration, coughing, and difficulty breathing, will become less pronounced as a result of the opening of the airways.

Conclusion

In summary, the results of Mikes breathing tests indicate the presence of respiratory health concerns and obstructions to airflow. Albuterol can alleviate Mikes symptoms due to its bronchodilating effect.