Approach to Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Definition of dyspnea

Type Clinical Features 
American Thoracic Society definition 
  • Subjective feeling of difficulty breathing with different qualitative sensations and intensity 
  • Involves complex interactions between multiple physiological, psychological, social, and environmental factors 
Acute dyspnea 
  • Occurs over hours to days 
Chronic dyspnea 
  • Occurs for more than 4-8 weeks 
Exacerbation 
  • Acute worsening of chronic dyspnea  
  • Can be due to new problem or worsening of chronic underlying disease  
    • Asthma 
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 
    • Heart failure 
(Next Lesson) Pathophysiology of dyspnea
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