Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with a history of progressive exertional dyspnea and non-productive cough. Significant smoking history noted. No constitutional symptoms such as fever or night sweats. No history of extrapulmonary involvement (bone, skin, or pituitary). Symptoms are consistent with established diagnosis of PLCH.
Clinical Examination Findings
General: Patient in no acute distress, resting comfortably on room air. Respiratory: Lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally, no wheezing or crackles. Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm, no murmurs. Extremities: No digital clubbing or cyanosis. Skin: No papular or eczematous lesions noted.
Treatment Protocol
Primary intervention: Immediate and permanent smoking cessation is mandatory. Pulmonary rehabilitation initiated. Serial monitoring of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to assess disease progression. Consider systemic corticosteroids or cytotoxic agents (e.g., cladribine) only in cases of progressive or refractory disease.