Question

A mother calls you because her 4 year old son is short of breath. When you arrive he is wheezing and has sternal retractions. She says he has used his inhaler twice in the last 30 minutes without relief. You begin transport and

Answer 1

A 4-year-old boy is having a severe asthma attack, indicated by sternal retractions and insufficient relief from inhaler use. Immediate medical attention is required, and treatment options include fast-acting inhalers or nebulization for acute attacks, as well as long-term medication for asthma management.

Step-by-step explanation:

The case described involves a 4-year-old boy who is experiencing signs of a severe asthma attack. Sternal retractions and wheezing are symptoms of respiratory distress that can be life-threatening, hence immediate medical attention is necessary. It is indicated that the situation is not improving even after the child has used his inhaler twice, which suggests that the relief provided by these short-term, fast-acting drugs is insufficient in this case.

Asthma attacks trigger symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. In young children, or individuals who cannot effectively use an inhaler, asthma medications can sometimes be administered via a nebulizer. Moreover, for ongoing management and prevention of severe asthma symptoms, long-term treatments may be necessary. The case also highlights the importance of recognizing the difference between asthma and other respiratory conditions, such as influenza, as the treatment approach differs significantly.