Finding Air

Prior to ending my duty this morning, a patient suddenly complains of difficulty in breathing. Nebulization and IV steroids were rendered but still his difficulty in breathing was not relieved. Wheezes were noted in both of his lung fields. Arterial blood gas was requested and revealed respiratory acidosis. Patient eventually improved with intermittent ambubagging. He is a diagnosed case of chronic obstructive disease but with poor compliance to his medications. Patient was eventually admitted due to worsening dyspnea which started 3 weeks ago.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)is a progressive disease which makes one hard to breathe. The most common cause of COPD is smoking, usually higher among chronic smokers. Symptoms usually include chronic cough, difficulty in breathing (dyspnea), tachypnea, labored breathing, etc. Diagnosis is done with taking a lung function test. Management strategies include smoking cessation, use of B2 agonist inhalers and nebulizers, vaccinations, and for some patients they would need long term oxygen therapy even at home and for some, lung transplantation.