Pitfalls in the evaluation of shortness of breath

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2010 Feb;28(1):163-81, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2009.09.011.

Abstract

This article illustrates the challenges practitioners face evaluating shortness of breath, a common emergency department complaint. Through a series of patient encounters, pitfalls in the evaluation of shortness of breath are reviewed and discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / complications
  • Anemia / diagnosis*
  • Anemia / physiopathology
  • Asthma / complications
  • Asthma / diagnosis*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Cardiac Tamponade / complications
  • Cardiac Tamponade / diagnosis*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / physiopathology
  • Dyspnea / etiology*
  • Dyspnea / physiopathology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Pneumothorax / complications
  • Pneumothorax / diagnosis*
  • Pneumothorax / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / physiopathology