Asthma

Presenting Complaint

Persistent unrelieved cough , shortness of breath , tight feeling in the chest , and wheezing

Present Illness

The patient is a 67 year-old Chinese male . He was brought to his general physician with a history of fever and chills accompanied by productive coughing and difficulty of breathing two days prior to admission Ventolin rotacaps was started but there was still persistence of cough associated with difficulty of breathing and orthopnea . His physician admitted him to the hospital for further evaluation , management , and treatment

Current Medications

Ventolin rotacaps aerosol

inhaler was started as the patient 's initial medication . Salbutamol sulfate is the generic name for Ventolin rotacaps

Salbutamol is a bronchodilator used for the treatment of asthma , chronic bronchitis , and other breathing diss . It works by opening the airways and making breathing easier

The usual dose to relieve asthma symptoms is 1-2 inhalations or "puffs More puffs may be needed to relieve symptoms during a more severe attack . The usual dose for long-term treatment of asthma is 1-2 puffs or 1 puff in children 6 years and older three or four times per day . The maximum daily dose is 8 puffs for adults and 4 puffs for children

For preventing exercise-induced asthma , the usual dose is 2 puffs before exercise for adults and 1 puff before exercise for children . Dosage is usually individualized by the doctor . Anyone allergic to any of the ingredients and those with abnormal heart rhythm associated with fast heart rate should not use this drug

Side effects of Ventolin rotacaps include nervousness and or tremors or shakiness . Some patients may rarely experience dry or irritated throat However , patients should check with their doctor as soon as the following side effects are experienced

Less common side effects Rare side effects headache

fast heartbeat

palpitations

transient muscle cramps

insomnia

nausea

weakness

dizziness drowsiness

flushing

restlessness

irritability

chest discomfort or pain

difficulty urinating

increased blood pressure

vomiting

dizziness

increased alertness or hyperactivity

unusual taste in mouth Patients who experience hives with swelling of lips , face , or throat or difficulty breathing should get emergency medical attention , for this may mean hypersensitivity to the drug

Medical and Surgical History

The patient is positive for asthma and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB . No other medical history or surgical history was presented

Asthma is a disease characterized by an increased responsiveness of the trachea and bronchi to various stimuli . This disease is manifested by recurrent attacks of widespread narrowing of the airways , difficult breathing , wheezing and cough . It is most commonly an allergic reaction to some extrinsic allergen or may be triggered by infection termed infectious asthma , or may be associated with emotional stress . Asthma cannot be cured , but most people with asthma can control it so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives

Individuals with asthma often need quick-relieves or "rescue " medicines to stop asthma symptoms before they get worse . Short-acting inhaled beta-agonists may be used and most as a quick-relief medicine Such medicines are bronchodilators . They act quickly...