Assignment task:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition that affects the airways, leading to intermittent narrowing, swelling, and excessive mucus production (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). It is characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing, which can make breathing difficult and sometimes lead to respiratory distress (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2007). Janessa presents with shortness of breath, weakness, and dizziness but does not have wheezing or a cough. Her lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally, and she has pale mucous membranes. While asthma is a possible diagnosis, anemia should also be considered as a contributing factor to her symptoms.
Asthma develops due to chronic airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and episodes of airflow obstruction (Hashmi & Cataletto, 2024). The inflammatory response leads to airway narrowing, increased mucus production, and structural changes. Although wheezing and coughing are common, some individuals with mild or well-controlled asthma may not exhibit these symptoms, which may explain why Janessa's lung sounds remain clear despite her shortness of breath (Global Initiative for Asthma, 2023).
To accurately diagnose asthma, there must be consistent respiratory symptoms and evidence of variable airflow obstruction, typically confirmed through pulmonary function testing (Hashmi & Cataletto, 2024). One of the most common tests is spirometry, which measures lung function by assessing forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity. An increase in forced expiratory volume of twelve percent or more after using a bronchodilator suggests reversible airway obstruction, supporting an asthma diagnosis (Cleveland Clinic, 2025). Additional tests include measuring peak expiratory flow rate to assess airflow variability and bronchodilator responsiveness testing to evaluate how well a person's breathing improves after using a fast-acting inhaler. Measuring nitric oxide in exhaled air can also help detect airway inflammation (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2024). Blood work can help identify signs of inflammation, such as an increase in white blood cells, or rule out anemia as a contributing factor to fatigue and dizziness.
If asthma is confirmed, treatment begins with fast-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol for immediate symptom relief and inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone to reduce inflammation. For persistent symptoms, inhaled corticosteroids combined with a long-acting bronchodilator, such as budesonide and formoterol, may be required (Global Initiative for Asthma, 2023). Asthma management also includes avoiding triggers, monitoring lung function, and using inhalers correctly to ensure proper medication delivery. If anemia or another underlying condition is contributing to her symptoms, appropriate treatment should be integrated alongside asthma management.
While Janessa's symptoms suggest possible asthma, her pale mucous membranes raise concerns about other conditions that may be worsening her fatigue and dizziness. A detailed diagnostic evaluation, including pulmonary function testing, nitric oxide measurement, and blood work, is necessary to confirm asthma and rule out other potential causes. If diagnosed, treatment should focus on controlling airway inflammation with inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators while addressing any additional health concerns to improve her overall well-being. Need Assignment Help?
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 11). Spirometry. Cleveland Clinic.
Global Initiative for Asthma. (2023). Global strategy for asthma management and prevention.
Hashmi, M. F., & Cataletto, M. E. (2024, May 3). Asthma. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Asthma - Symptoms and causes.