Introduction
Dyspnoea is an abnormal and uncomfortable awareness of breathing.
Effort of breathing is out of proportion with exertion needs.
Patients often have difficulties in describing the discomfort of dyspnoea
Clinical features
Will depend on the underlying cause(s) of dyspnoea
Differential diagnoses
Pulmonary:
- Obstructive airways disease: asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema
- Parenchymal lung disease: pneumonia, pneumoconiosis, pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary vascular obstruction:
pulmonary emboli - Chest wall disorders: respiratory muscle paralysis, kyphoscoliosis
Cardiogenic:
- Congestive cardiac failure
- Left ventricular failure Metabolic
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
Neurogenic:
- Anxiety neurosis
Treatment objectives
- Treat cause(s) of dyspnoea
- Restore normal respiration
Non-drug treatment
- Oxygen in appropriate concentration
- Other treatment will depend on
the underlying/ precipitating cause