A 30-year-old female with a known history of asthma presents with worsening shortness of breath, cough, and a runny nose for the past three days. What should be the next steps?
This patient's symptoms could suggest an exacerbation of her asthma triggered by a viral upper respiratory infection (a common cold). She should be assessed for signs of an asthma exacerbation, including a physical exam and possibly peak flow measurement. Treatment could involve increased use of her rescue inhaler and possibly a short course of oral corticosteroids.