Introduction
After reviewing the patient’s medical records and conducting a physical examination, the diagnosis of ongoing asthma with worsening symptoms is determined. It appears that the patient’s asthma symptoms have intensified due to possible exposure to triggers and an increase in physical activity. The International Classification of Diseases tenth revision (ICD10) classifies asthma as chronic obstructive with acute exacerbation or chronic obstructive asthma with status asthmaticus (“ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM conversion”, 2019). The ICD ten provides two types of asthma, of which Cynthia’s case is chronic obstructive.
Plan
Pharmacological Measures
To manage symptoms and prevent exacerbations, asthma treatment typically consists of a combination of medications, including bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Prescription medication consists of bronchodilator, such as albuterol, to use as needed to relieve asthma symptoms the dispensation is through inhalation whenever there is experience of an asthma attack (“Asthma medications”, 2019). In addition, a prescription will be made for a long-acting bronchodilator, such as salmeterol, to take on a daily basis to control her asthma. In addition, fluticasone, an inhaled corticosteroid, is prescribed to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma exacerbations (Habib et al., 2022). Over-the-counter medication medications that can help the patient include ephedrine, racepinephirine, epinephirine (HealthMatch Staff, 2022). All of these medications are bronchodilators which means that relax the muscle bands responsible for tightening the airways.
Non-Pharmacological Measures
The patient is advised to avoid triggers that exacerbate her asthma symptoms and to regularly monitor her asthma control using a peak flow meter. Additionally, she should adopt a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and exercise. Overall, with proper care and regular monitoring, patients with asthma can lead a healthy and active lifestyle. The patient is scheduled for follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the management plan and ensure optimal asthma control (Song et al., 2019). The patient is advised to avoid known triggers such as pet dander, dust, and pollen. In addition, she should avoid exercising in cold or dry weather. She should use a peak flow meter to monitor her asthma control and adjust her medication as needed. To promote overall health and prevent aggravations, the patient is also advised to live a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise.
Health Maintenance and Counseling
During scheduled appointments, the patient’s asthma control is monitored, and medication is adjusted as needed, requiring asthma patients to schedule regular check-ups with their healthcare providers to ensure proper management of their condition (Licari et al., 2020). The healthcare provider will also instruct the patient on proper inhaler use and remind them to refill their prescriptions. It is also recommended to get a flu shot every year to avoid respiratory infections, which can trigger asthma attacks. As a result, regular check-ups and preventative measures are critical to effectively managing asthma.
Conclusion
The individual is taught about asthma management, which includes the importance of using inhalers correctly, tracking symptoms, and avoiding triggers. In addition, the patient is advised to use a peak flow meter and how to adjust medications based on readings. In addition, the individual is taught how to recognize signs of an asthma flare-up and when to seek immediate medical attention. Educating the patient on asthma management, symptom tracking, and recognizing signs of an asthma flare-up is emphasized as a crucial aspect of her care. The importance of adhering to medication schedules and seeking prompt medical assistance when needed is also stressed.
References
Asthma medications: Know your options. (2022). Mayo Clinic. Web.
Habib, N., Pasha, M. A., & Tang, D. D. (2022). Current understanding of asthma pathogenesis and biomarkers. Cells, 11(17), 2764. Web.
HealthMatch Staff. (2022). Over the counter medicine for asthma: What you need to know. HealthMatch. Web.
ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM conversion. (2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.
Licari, A., Votto, M., Brambilla, I., Castagnoli, R., Piccotti, E., Olcese, R., Tosca, M. A., Ciprandi, G., & Marseglia, G. L. (2020). Allergy and asthma in children and adolescents during the COVID outbreak: What we know and how we could prevent allergy and asthma flares. Allergy, 75(9), 2402-2405. Web.
Song, D. J., Choi, S. H., Song, W., Park, K. H., Jee, Y., Cho, S., & Lim, D. H. (2019). The effects of short-term and very short-term particulate matter exposure on asthma-related hospital visits: National health insurance data. Yonsei Medical Journal, 60(10), 952.
Ullmann, N., Mirra, V., Di Marco, A., Pavone, M., Porcaro, F., Negro, V., Onofri, A., & Cutrera, R. (2018). Asthma: Differential diagnosis and comorbidities. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 6(2). Web.