Page Contents
OVERVIEW
This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of dyspnea. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that we become as familiar as possible with it.
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?
Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Dyspnea refers to difficult or labored breathing.
WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
This can be a sign of serous respiratory distress or a dangerous underlying etiology.
ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL
The differential diagnosis for dyspnea can be organized in a few different ways:
- Can’t miss diagnosis
- Organ systen
- Disease category
- Diagnostic modality
- Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”
Now that the possible causes of dyspnea have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with dyspnea.
- Collecting the history
- Performing the physical
- Ordering studies/tests
- Interpreting clinical data
TREATMENT
The treatment of dyspnea may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:
Page Updated: 12.08.2016