Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
32.0K
A 37-Year-Old Man With Bronchial Asthma and Unexplained Hypoxemia
Mohamed Bilal Azam1, Sanjeev Chhabra2, Shailesh Agrawal1
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.
Chest
|December 7, 2021
Summary
This case highlights a persistent respiratory issue in a 37-year-old man with a history of asthma. Despite treatment, persistent hypoxemia indicated a need for further investigation beyond typical asthma exacerbations.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- A 37-year-old male with a 12-year history of episodic breathlessness and wheeze, responsive to salbutamol, presented with a 3-week exacerbation.
- Associated symptoms included nasal obstruction, discharge, and sneezing, suggestive of allergic rhinitis.
Observation:
- The patient experienced significant breathlessness and wheeze, consistent with bronchial asthma.
- Despite bronchodilators and systemic glucocorticoids, persistent hypoxemia (75-80% oxygen saturation) was noted.
Findings:
- The persistent hypoxemia despite standard asthma management suggests an underlying condition beyond a simple asthma exacerbation.
- Further evaluation was warranted to determine the etiology of the refractory hypoxemia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of investigating persistent hypoxemia in patients with a history of asthma.
- Comprehensive diagnostic approaches are crucial for identifying uncommon causes of respiratory compromise.
- Consideration of co-existing conditions or alternative diagnoses is essential for effective patient management.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
422
Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
422
01:25Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
1.4K
Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...
1.4K
01:30Alterations in Respiration II
1.1K
There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
1.1K
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
4.5K
Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
4.5K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
814
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
814
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
2.8K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
2.8K