Asthma Classification Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Mild Persistent Asthma: Jaqui's symptoms and medication use pattern align with mild persistent asthma. She uses her SABA (short-acting beta-agonist) every other day and more frequently with strenuous activity, indicating some level of persistent symptoms. Her FEV1 is 75% predicted, which also supports this classification.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Intermittent Asthma: Although Jaqui mentions using her SABA every other day, which suggests some level of persistence, her overall symptom pattern and the fact that she only needs an extra dose with strenuous activity could also suggest intermittent asthma. However, the regular use of SABA leans more towards mild persistence.
- Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB): Jaqui's increased need for SABA with strenuous outdoor activity could suggest EIB. However, her symptoms are not exclusively related to exercise, making this less likely as a standalone diagnosis.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Severe Uncontrolled Asthma: Although Jaqui's current symptoms and FEV1 do not suggest severe uncontrolled asthma, it's crucial to monitor her closely. Misclassification could lead to inadequate treatment and increased risk of severe exacerbations.
- Other Conditions Mimicking Asthma (e.g., Vocal Cord Dysfunction): These conditions can present similarly to asthma but require different management. It's essential to consider them, especially if Jaqui's symptoms do not respond as expected to asthma treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis: Although rare, cystic fibrosis can present with asthma-like symptoms, especially in young adults. Jaqui's FEV1 is reduced, which could prompt further investigation if other signs or symptoms suggestive of cystic fibrosis are present.
- Bronchiolitis Obliterans: A rare condition that could mimic asthma symptoms. It is more common in individuals with a history of lung injury or certain infections, and its consideration would depend on additional clinical context.