Problem:
In the case of DS, a 38-year-old female with complaints of persistent coughing and respiratory distress, a systematic inquiry is critical to formulating a comprehensive differential diagnosis. First, I will explore the onset and progression of symptoms, including the temporal relationship to the recent minor surgical procedure on her right eye and the sinus surgery eight months prior. I will follow this up by inquiring about the nature of the cough, its accompanying symptoms, and any identifiable exacerbating or alleviating factors to develop a deeper understanding. I will thoroughly delve into her medical history, specifically focusing on her history of mild hypertension and obesity, as these comorbidities may significantly contribute to respiratory symptoms. Additionally, I will ask about her surgical history to identify any complications or infections post-surgery. Given DS's recent eye surgery, exploring the perioperative events and anesthesia exposure is essential, as these factors may correlate with her respiratory symptoms (Williams et al., 2023).