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Case Study Analysis

Erica Grizzelle

Pasadena City College

HED 051: Health and Social Justice

Professor Apiafi

February 09, 2021

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Case Study Analysis

Jose is used to the conditions of his asthma. He and his family have become accustomed

to the ends and outs of the difficulty breathing and nighttime coughing spasms. Jose is used to

using his inhaler and has developed a very active lifestyle, playing basketball during the season

and off-season. He also takes part in running and shooting hoops to stay conditioned. However,

due to Jose’s chronic illness, he misses school often because of doctor appointments and

emergency room visits. Luckily for Jose, his father has a job that provides them with great

insurance giving Jose the ability to use the latest medications and inhalers on the market. This, of

course, is a huge advantage and makes his chronic illness much more manageable. Nevertheless,

Jose is still at risk for severe asthma attacks that could be fatal.

Thankfully, I do not suffer from the chronic illness of asthma. My experience with

asthma is more of a sideliner. I have witnessed people have panic attacks, and all too likely, it is a

child. Because children are more likely to run around and ignore the telltale signs that an asthma

attack is on the horizon, it becomes a rush to the inhaler when an asthma attack has already

started. Unfortunately, I also know that a severe asthma attack can happen anytime and

anywhere, leading to a fatal outcome. Every time I witness an asthma attack, I quietly panic and

hold my breath a bit. Fortunately for Jose, his father has a job that gives him great

insurance—giving him an advantage over others that may not have the best insurance or

co-payments or have insurance at all. Those who do not have adequate insurance or can’t afford

the co-payments have to settle for medications in their price range. The latest inhalers and

medicines on the market would not be in reach for these people. For the people who do not have

insurance or jobs that offer insurance, the full price for inhalers and medication may be the only

means to getting the prescription needed. This would be a low income or no income issue. Many
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will have to ask themselves, “To buy my medication or feed my family for the week?” and

decide what to do, even with the knowledge of knowing asthma could be a life or death situation.

Jose is an active young man. He is involved in running, shooting hoops, and playing

basketball in season and off-season. He has been afforded the opportunity and privilege to not

only have insurance but great insurance that provides him with the latest medication and

inhalers. However, Jose is also missing quite a bit of school. He is often in the doctor’s office and

emergency rooms due to asthma attacks and check-ups. Jose will experience more episodes, and

his quality of life will be compromised due to him having so many attacks (Buelo, 2017). Being

active is a great way to stay fit and healthy. However, Jose may be so determined to play

basketball that he is not checking for the warning signs an asthmatic must check for before

engaging in activities. He should not play if he has had recent flare-ups; asthma must be under

control, and he must be consistent with medication (Hudak, 2017). Having frequent asthma

attacks could lead to irreversible damage to not only the lungs but also the airways and the

muscles that surround the lungs and airways (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Due to the frequency of

missing school, doctor office visits, and emergency room visits; on top of the frequent asthma

attacks, not to mention the very potential reality of irreversible damage this young man could be

causing his body, it is my recommendation he should either cut back on how much basketball he

is playing. Or, find another sport that is less demanding on his breathing.

In conclusion, I think Jose may have already been told by medical professionals the

dangers he could be in. Maybe he should seek additional professional help to explain to the

family what his life could be if he were to continue at the rate he is currently going. Jose and his

parents should start the semester with the idea and understanding that he will be cutting back the

number of hours and days he plays basketball. This will improve his school attendance, decrease
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his hospitalizations and asthma attacks, giving him the ability to be more productive in school

and ultimately a more successful student.

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References

Asthma Attack (2019). Mayo Clinic. mayoclinic.org

Buelo, A. et al. (2017). S62 Identifying the child (5-12 years) with Asthma at Increased Risk of

Attacks: the At-Risk Child with Asthma (arc) Systematic Review. London: BMJ

Publishing Group LTD. pasadena.edu/library/index.php

Hudak, B., Ph.D. (2017). Can People with Asthma Play Sports?. TeensHealth from Nemours.

Kidshealth.org