Tom is a 16 year old with a history of allergies who has recently visited his GP with symptoms of breathlessness. His spirometry test showed a reduced FEV1 but normal FVC. His doctor diagnoses mild asthma and prescribes a combined long-acting bronchodilator/anti-inflammatory medication (formoterol/budesonide) to be administered by inhalation as needed. 

A. Describe how Tom's spirometry informed his diagnosis, and define FEV1 and how it is measured (3 marks)

B.     Briefly describe the structural changes in Tom’s lungs that would contribute to his decreased FEV1 (4 marks)

C. What would be the benefits for Tom taking an anti-inflammatory medication with a dilator rather than just a dilator alone when he has symptoms of breathlessness?     (5 marks)

TOTAL 12 MARKS