Question

A 7 year-old was admitted to ER for treatment of shortness of breath. The patient is given epinephrine and nebulizer treatments. The shortness of breath and wheezing are unabated following treatment. No documentation of diagnosis. What diagnosis should be suspected?

Answer 1

The symptoms and unresponsive treatment in the 7-year-old patient suggest a diagnosis of asthma. The typical signs of an asthma attack, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, align with the patient's symptoms. Further investigation and treatment adjustment are necessary given the lack of response to standard asthma treatments.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the 7-year-old patient's presentation with shortness of breath, wheezing, and an unresponsiveness to epinephrine and nebulizer treatments, asthma should be suspected. Symptoms of an asthma attack include coughing, wheezing, and tightness of the chest, which are consistent with the symptoms described. A severe asthma attack might also present with a rapid pulse, sweating, and severe anxiety, which could lead to more critical symptoms like cyanotic lips or face, confusion, and drowsiness.

The type of medication used for asthma depends on the severity and frequency of the attacks, as well as known triggers. Because the standard short-term treatments for asthma, which are usually administered via an inhaler or nebulizer, didn't alleviate the symptoms in this case, further investigation and possibly long-term treatments might be necessary for the child's condition.