Patient Case Studies
Case 1:
A 52-year-old man presents with the following symptoms:
- High fever and chills
- Persistent cough producing greenish or yellowish sputum
- Shortness of breath and chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
- Fatigue and weakness
Additional notes: The patient reports that the symptoms began a week ago and have progressively worsened. He has a history of smoking.
| Blood Test | Result | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| White Blood Cell (WBC) Count | 18,000 cells/mcL | 4,000-11,000 cells/mcL |
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | 150 mg/L | 0-10 mg/L |
| Blood Oxygen Level | 85% | 95-100% |
| Sputum Culture | Positive for bacterial infection | Negative |
Case 2:
A 65-year-old woman presents with the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing and wheezing
- Dry cough that has recently become productive with thick phlegm
- Chest pain that worsens with coughing or breathing deeply
- Confusion and disorientation, particularly in the morning
Additional notes: She has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and reports a recent flu-like illness.
| Blood Test | Result | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| White Blood Cell (WBC) Count | 20,000 cells/mcL | 4,000-11,000 cells/mcL |
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | 180 mg/L | 0-10 mg/L |
| Blood Oxygen Level | 82% | 95-100% |
| Sputum Culture | Positive for bacterial infection | Negative |
Question: Based on the provided symptoms, patient histories, and blood test results, what is the most likely diagnosis?
About the Author
Reyus Mammadli is the author of this health blog since 2008. With a background in medical and biotechnical devices, he has over 15 years of experience working with medical literature and expert guidelines from WHO, CDC, Mayo Clinic, and others. His goal is to present clear, accurate health information for everyday readers — not as a substitute for medical advice.
