Approach to Adult Patients with Acute Dyspnea

Elizabeth DeVos; Lisa Jacobson

doi:10.1016/j.emc.2015.08.008

Approach to Adult Patients with Acute Dyspnea

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;34(1):129-49. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2015.08.008.

Authors

Elizabeth DeVos¹, Lisa Jacobson²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA.
² Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA. Electronic address: Lisa.Jacobson@jax.ufl.edu.

Abstract

Undifferentiated patients in respiratory distress require immediate attention in the emergency department. Using a thorough history and clinical examination, clinicians can determine the most likely causes of dyspnea. Understanding the pathophysiology of the most common diseases contributing to dyspnea guides rational testing and informed, expedited treatment decisions.

Keywords: Angina; Asthma; COPD; Dyspnea; Pneumonia; Pulmonary embolism; Respiratory compensation; Shortness of breath.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Asthma / diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Dyspnea / diagnosis
Dyspnea / therapy*
Emergency Service, Hospital*
Humans
Pneumonia / diagnosis
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diagnosis
Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
Respiratory Insufficiency / diagnosis