Lesson 1Reason for each question group: connecting history parts to common causes of shortness of breath and urgent warning signsExplains how each question group relates to disease processes and usual causes of shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain, and how response patterns point out urgent warning signs, direct tests, and form early treatment plans in local practice.
Connecting symptom patterns to main diagnosesSeparating heart from main lung causesUsing risk factors to adjust pre-test likelihoodReading warning signs for time-sensitive sicknessHistory hints directing initial testsHistory-led early treatment choicesLesson 2Warning sign screening: chest pain, fainting, coughing blood, severe shortness of breath, sudden worsening, fever patternTeaches spotting warning symptoms like sharp or effort-related chest pain, fainting, coughing blood, quickly worsening shortness of breath, infection signs, and high-risk fever patterns that need quick action and possible emergency referral in Zambian health centres.
Describing chest pain and sharp featuresFainting, near-fainting, and circulation problemsChecking coughing blood amount and clotting dangerSigns of severe or fast-worsening shortness of breathFever pattern, shivers, and infection markersAction levels and emergency referralLesson 3Other illnesses and medicine check: high blood pressure, heart disease, blood thinners, ACE inhibitors, inhalers, recent antibiotics or steroidsCovers thorough review of other illnesses and medicines, including heart disease, diabetes, blood thinners, ACE inhibitors, inhalers, and recent antibiotics or steroids, to find interactions, side effects, and safety concerns in everyday Zambian care.
Main heart, metabolism, and kidney other illnessesACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and coughBlood thinners, antiplatelets, and bleeding dangerInhaler types, method, and sticking to useRecent antibiotics, steroids, and resistanceMany medicines, interactions, and reducing themLesson 4Methods for targeted questioning in short meetings and recording answers briefly for handover to supervising doctorGives ways for targeted, patient-focused questioning in short meetings, using open and closed questions, signposting, and summing up, then recording short, organised notes for safe handover to supervising doctors in busy clinics.
Using open and closed questions wellPrioritising key respiratory history areasHandling side topics and keeping good relationsSumming up and checking patient graspSBAR and problem-focused note setupRecording warning signs and safety adviceLesson 5Social and surroundings history: smoking history measure (pack-years), work exposures, recent travel, home contactsFocuses on getting smoking exposure in pack-years, e-cigarette and cannabis use, work and surroundings inhalants, pets, mould, and recent travel or infection contacts that change respiratory risk and direct diagnosis choices in Zambia.
Calculating smoking history and pack-yearsRecording e-cigarette, cannabis, and second-hand smokeWork dust, fumes, and chemical exposuresHome factors: pets, mould, heating, air flowRecent travel, TB risk, and local infectionsClose contacts with breathing or fever sicknessLesson 6Daily function and starting status: usual exercise ability, daily tasks, recent weight change, past respiratory testsDeals with checking usual exercise ability, daily tasks, sleep, recent weight or hunger change, and past lung function or scans, to measure long-term illness load, function reserve, and reply to earlier respiratory treatments.
Usual exercise ability and activity levelEffect on daily tasks, work, and social lifeSleep quality, night symptoms, and breathing trouble lying downUnplanned weight loss and hunger changePast lung function, peak flow, and scansFollowing progress and treatment replyLesson 7Family history and allergy history: allergies, early heart disease, blood clot tendencyLooks at family patterns of asthma, skin rash, hay fever, lung disease, and early heart disease, plus inherited clotting issues and clot history, to adjust risk of asthma, lung clots, and other heart-lung causes of breathlessness.
Family history of asthma, lung disease, and allergiesSkin rash, hay fever, and food allergiesEarly heart disease in familyFamily blood clots or clotting issuesDrug, rubber, and scan dye allergiesSurroundings allergy patterns and seasonsLesson 8Step-by-step check of main symptoms: start, length, worsening, type of cough, phlegm, triggers, position factors, effort limitsCovers organised questioning about breathing symptoms, including start, length, worsening, cough and phlegm details, triggers, position change, and effort limits, to separate sudden from long-term and harmless from serious illness.
Making clear start, length, and symptom orderDescribing cough type, time, and linked painChecking phlegm amount, colour, and blood coughFinding triggers, irritants, and easing factorsChecking breathing trouble lying down, night breathing, and position changeGrading effort shortness of breath and activity limits
