Clinical Information

Case Study: 69-year-old Caucasian male worked in Alaska for a period of about 8 years, during which time he had persistent sputum production and recurrent respiratory infections. He was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and followed intermittently by his primary care physician for recurrent infections. His condition worsened and he was referred to a pulmonologist 2–3 years ago.

CLINICAL INFORMATION

History

• 69-year-old Caucasian male
• Worked in Alaska for a period of about 8 years, during which time he had persistent sputum production and recurrent respiratory infections
• Evaluated at major medical center in 1989 and after 3 days of testing was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis
• Followed intermittently by his primary care physician for recurrent infections and referred to pulmonologist 2–3 years ago

Activity Level

• Patient reports no dysnea on exertion despite maintaining a very active lifestyle, including going for walks, jumping rope, hunting, and using a rowing machine
• He gets a little short of breath climbing up 3 flights of stairs
• His breathing is a little bit more difficult than it was approximately 5 years ago

Habits

• He smoked one pack per day from the age of 17 to 27
• He drinks occasionally, 1 drink every 4 to 5 days, for the last 10 years

Occupation

• He has a PhD in avian physiology and has worked for the US government in the wildlife department studying and dealing with birds
• He has had significant bird exposure which was most intense between 1970 and 1974 and was most recent about 4 to 5 years ago
• He has worked on and off doing welding, lab work, and farm work