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)
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
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