A 5 year old child and her mother present to your clinic. The mother reports that the child has had a cough and sounds "wheezy" for the last 2 days. She states that the child always gets like this when she is sick. She also reports that the child has been complaining that her right ear hurts. In addition, you notice dry scaly patches on the child's elbows and behind her knees.
What are your differentials and diagnosis, write the rationales:
1-Asthma exacerbation: primary diagnosis:
2-Bronchiolitis causing ear infection:
3-Eczema (Atopic dermatitis):
What would you prescribe for each condition (treatment with references).
Pediatric
Full Answer Section
An asthma exacerbation can be triggered by a number of things, including:- Allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander
- Cold air
- Exercise
- Illness, such as a cold or the flu
- Certain medications
- Taking your medications as prescribed
- Avoiding your triggers
- Knowing the signs and symptoms of an asthma exacerbation
- What to do if you have an asthma exacerbation
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Red, itchy skin
- Dry, cracked skin
- Rashes
- Blisters
- Skin that weeps or crusts
- Moisturizers
- Anti-itch medications
- Topical steroids
- Phototherapy
Sample Answer
Asthma exacerbation Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. In people with asthma, the airways are sensitive and can become inflamed and narrowed. This can make it difficult to breathe. An asthma exacerbation is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms. Symptoms of an asthma exacerbation can include:- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing