| Evaluation Dialogue Between Doctor-Patient: |
| Doctor |
Good morning. Tell me why you came in today. |
| Patient |
Desde hace 2 semanas siento que me falta el aire cuando hago ejercicio. |
| Doctor |
Is the shortness of breath accompanied by a cough, or any other symptoms such as an increase in secretions, palpitations, or dizziness? |
| Patient |
Normalmente no, doctor, ocasionalmente algo de tos sin mocos y un poco de dolor en el pecho. |
| Doctor |
Have you ever felt the pain in your chest while resting? |
| Patient |
Sí, puntualmente, incluso algunas noches tumbado en la cama. |
| Doctor |
OK. Do you take any medications regularly? |
| Patient |
No. No tomo nada. |
| Doctor |
Can you tell me your age and what you do for work? |
| Patient |
Tengo 36 años y soy abogado. Trabajo en un despacho. |
| Doctor |
We’re going to do a few complementary tests: an X-ray of your chest and function tests. |
| Patient |
¿En qué consisten las pruebas funcionales? ¿Para qué sirven? |
| Doctor |
Well, I first suspect a diagnosis of bronchial asthma. That consists of inflammation of the airways, which translates to difficulty exhaling air, and this test helps us diagnose this illness. The tests consist of taking a deep breath in, and exhaling strongly and continuously through a mouthpiece until you empty your lungs completely. |
| Patient |
¿Y eso es grave? ¿Tiene tratamiento? |
| Doctor |
First, we have to see whether you really have the illness I suspect. From what you’ve told me, it seems to be a mild case and temporary treatment with oral inhalers would control it. |
| Patient |
Vale, doctor. |
| Doctor |
See you when we get the results back. |
