Respiratory Clinic Consultation Summary (General)

Specialty: Respiratory Therapist Presenting Complaint: - Patient presents with worsening shortness of breath and a persistent cough for the past two weeks. History of Presenting Complaint: - Patient reports a gradual onset of dyspnoea, initially mild, which has progressed to significant exertional breathlessness. Cough is productive of clear sputum, more pronounced in the mornings. No associated fever or chest pain. Symptoms are worse in the evenings and upon exposure to cold air. Current Problems: - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation. - 1 hospital admission in the past 12 months for COPD. - 2 exacerbations in the past 12 months requiring steroids. Past Medical History: - Diagnosed with COPD 10 years ago. Uses salbutamol inhaler PRN. No known allergies. Uses a home nebuliser for bronchodilator therapy twice daily. Drug History: - Salbutamol inhaler (2 puffs PRN) - Tiotropium bromide inhaler (1 inhalation OD) - Budesonide/formoterol inhaler (2 puffs BD) - Multivitamin supplement (1 tablet OD) Social History: - Former smoker (quit 5 years ago, 30 pack-year history). - Reports no damp or mould at home. - Retired coal miner (worked for 40 years). - Sedentary lifestyle, light walking occasionally. - Owns a cat. Number of Courses of Steroids in the Last Year (if asthma or COPD): - 2 courses of oral steroids in the last year. Summary of Investigations: - Lung function/spirometry results: FEV1 45% predicted, FVC 65% predicted, FEV1/FVC ratio 55% (consistent with severe obstruction). - FeNO results: Not applicable/not performed for COPD. - Radiology results: Chest X-ray showed hyperinflation and flattened diaphragms, consistent with COPD. No acute infiltrates. - Blood test results: Full blood count within normal limits, CRP slightly elevated at 15 mg/L. - Skin prick test results: Not performed. - Any other relevant investigations: ECG showed normal sinus rhythm, no signs of right heart strain. Systemic Enquiry: - Skin issues: No active skin issues reported. - Mental health issues: Reports occasional low mood, denies formal diagnosis of depression or anxiety. - Bladder issues: No urinary incontinence or dysuria. - Gut issues: Occasional indigestion, managed with over-the-counter antacids. Plan: - Commence a 5-day course of oral prednisolone 30mg daily. - Prescribe a course of antibiotics (Amoxicillin 500mg TDS for 7 days) given increased sputum production and CRP elevation. - Review inhaler technique and adherence. - Refer to pulmonary rehabilitation programme. - Schedule follow-up appointment in 2 weeks to assess response to treatment and review long-term management plan. - Advise on smoking cessation resources (even though quit, reinforce benefits and offer support). - Encourage regular, light exercise as tolerated.