Shortness of Breath presentation

Question 1

What is the physiological cause for dyspnoea

Answer 1

Increased respiratory drive due to

• hypoxemia
• acidosis
• exercise, anxiety

May be linked to

• airflow limitation
• lung hyperinflation
• position (orthopnea)

Question 2

What may also be associated with dyspnoea

Answer 2

Cough

• dry?
• productive => colour, blood?
• does anything impair the cough

Chest pain

• pleuritic?
• MSK/GI?

Pedal edema

Level of consciousness

• confused, delirious?
• lethargic, comatose?

Clubbing (chronic respiratory issue)

• chronic ILD
• cancer
• CF
• bronchiectasis

Question 3

What investigations would you do

Answer 3

Routine FBC, U&E
Sputum culture
Microbiology

Exhaled gas
-FeNO, CO

RFTs

• spirometry, peak flow
• TLCO

CXR, CT