Shortness of Breath presentation Flashcards

1
Q

What is the physiological cause for dyspnoea

A

Increased respiratory drive due to

  • hypoxemia
  • acidosis
  • exercise, anxiety

May be linked to

  • airflow limitation
  • lung hyperinflation
  • position (orthopnea)
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2
Q

What may also be associated with dyspnoea

A

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
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3
Q

What investigations would you do

A

Routine FBC, U&E
Sputum culture
Microbiology

Exhaled gas
-FeNO, CO

RFTs

  • spirometry, peak flow
  • TLCO

CXR, CT

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