Cornelia, a 45-year-old woman who has smoked for 20 years, presented with a persistent cough and difficulty breathing for the past two months. Her FEV measurement was 62%, below the normal level of 80%, indicating her lungs were not functioning properly. Her symptoms and smoking history led to an initial diagnosis of chronic bronchitis. Tests confirmed this diagnosis and treatments included medications, cessation of smoking, and self-care measures.

1. CASE STUDY
NDSU Biochemistry Extra Credit
Cornelius Amegbletor

2. Scenario
 Cornelia is a 45 years old female who has been
smoking for the past 20 years. She has been
experiencing persistent coughing and difficulty in
breathing for the past two months which has
affected her working status. She came to the
hospital and the measurement of her volume of
air exhaled from the lungs after a maximum
forced inhalation was 62% FEV.

3. WHAT WOULD BE THE INITIAL
DIAGNOSIS FOR CORNELIA?

4. CORNELIA HAS CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
 Under normal condition, the FEV should be greater than 80% but her FEV is
62%. This shows that her lungs are not functioning as they should and this
could be as a result of her history of smoking for the past 20 years. Smoking
may have had an effect on her lungs COMPLIANCE and her lungs are not able
to stretch enough to take in more air. Also the lungs could have loss its
ELASTANCE ability, that is the ability to resist deformity or to recoil back to
its normal shape after been stretched. Smoking nevertheless can damage the
tiny hair-like structures called cilia in the lungs that are responsible for
brushing out irritants, excess mucus and debris.

6. Tests Performed
 Spirometry test (breathing test)
 Chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia
 Lung function tests
 Blood tests

7. Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis
 Cough that could be dry or with phlegm
 Fatigue or malaise
 Running nose or post-nasal drip
 Chest tightness and shortness of breath
 Headache
 Difficulty in sleeping

8. Treatments
 Medications: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drug, Analgesic, Narcotics and
cough medicine
 Self care: Cessation of smoking and Throat lozenge

9. References
 Dee Unglaub Silverthorm. Ph.D.University of Texas, Austin. Human Physiology-
Cardiovascular Physiology,pages 463-501.Six Edition.
 Mayoclinic.org-Bronchitis
 www.m.webmd.com/Understanding Bronchitis-the Basics