Breathlessness

Question 1

What is breathlessness?

Answer 1

A group of sensations with multiple qualitative descriptors, arises when there is RECOGNITION by the subject of an INAPPROPRIATE relationship between RESPIRATORY WORK and TOTAL BODY WORK

Question 2

How is dyspnoea diagnosed?

Answer 2

Using a systems approach

Risk factors –> associated symptoms –> clinical signs –> organ direct tests

Question 3

What are respiratory causes of dyspnoea?

Answer 3

1. Airways disease
2. Alveolar disease
3. Pulmonary vascular disease
4. Pleural and chest wall disease
5. Respiratory muscle disease

Question 4

What are the mechanisms of crepitations?

Answer 4

1. Air bubbling through fluid in the alveoli (pulmonary oedema, pneumonia)
2. Late inspiratory crepitations where the airways suddenly pop open (interstitial lung disease)