A 30-year-old female presents with cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath within minutes of exposure to cats. She also has a history of eczema and hay fever. What could be the potential cause and suggested management?
This patient's symptoms suggest allergic asthma triggered by exposure to cats. Her history of eczema and hay fever also suggests a pattern of atopy, which is a genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. Management would involve avoidance of triggers, such as cats, and use of asthma medications. These could include short-acting bronchodilators for immediate symptom relief and inhaled corticosteroids for long-term control.