Cough, Breathlessness, Wheezing, and Chest Pain: Evaluation & Treatment

Cough, breathlessness, wheezing, and chest pain are common respiratory symptoms that could signal underlying issues such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or heart-related problems. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Evaluation:

• Physical Examination: Listening to the lungs and heart with a stethoscope helps assess breath sounds.
• PFT (Spirometry): Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), such as spirometry, is crucial in measuring lung capacity and airflow, aiding in diagnosing conditions like asthma, COPD, or interstitial lung disease (ILD).
• Imaging: Chest X-rays or CT scans can detect pneumonia, lung tumors, or other structural abnormalities.
• Blood Tests: Assessing oxygen levels, inflammatory markers, and infection can guide further treatment.

Treatment:

• Bronchodilators: Used for conditions like asthma or COPD to open airways.
• Steroids: Reduce inflammation in chronic conditions.
• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections like pneumonia.
• Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving indoor air quality can help manage symptoms.