Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
07:10
Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
10.5K
Worsening dyspnea.
Karyn B Kolman1, Kaitlyn R Losey1
1University of Arizona College of Medicine at South Campus Family Medicine Residency, Tuscon, AZ, USA.
The Journal of Family Practice
|January 9, 2018
Summary
A 62-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis developed fatigue, cough, and fever. Her history of smoking and working in a stone mine suggests potential occupational lung disease or infection.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- A 62-year-old female patient with a 6-year history of rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate and prednisone.
- Significant smoking history (40 pack-years) and occupational exposure (stone mine in Arizona).
Observation:
- The patient presented with a 2-3 week history of fatigue, nonproductive cough, dyspnea on exertion, and intermittent fever/chills.
- Symptoms suggest a potential respiratory or systemic illness.
Findings:
- Differential diagnosis includes opportunistic infections (e.g., fungal, atypical bacterial), pneumoconiosis, or drug-induced lung disease.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and immunosuppressive therapy increase susceptibility to infections.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
- Consideration of environmental and occupational exposures is vital in respiratory illness evaluation.
