Question

Your patient has been ill for the last few days with coldlike symptoms, a barky cough, and a low-grade fever. He woke at 3:00 am with severe symptoms. You suspect:

a) Influenza
b) Common cold
c) Strep throat
d) Bronchitis

Answer 1

The patient's symptoms indicate bronchitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the chest. Unlike influenza or strep throat, bronchitis specifically affects the bronchial tubes and can cause a persistent cough and other respiratory symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's symptoms of cold-like symptoms, a barky cough, and a low-grade fever, along with waking up with severe symptoms in the early morning, are indicative of bronchitis. Bronchitis is an infection and inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the chest, usually occurring after a person has had a cold or flu. The buildup of mucus in the bronchial tubes can cause a severe cough and other respiratory symptoms.

Unlike influenza, which is characterized by fever, chills, and body aches, bronchitis specifically affects the bronchial tubes and can cause a persistent cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Strep throat is unlikely in this case as it primarily presents with a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. While the symptoms of a common cold may overlap with bronchitis, the severity and persistence of symptoms suggest a more severe respiratory infection.