SOB Differentials Flashcards

1
Q

Pathophysiology of most presentations

A

Cardiopulmonary

Non cardiopulmonary

  • anxiety, neurogenic causes => hyperventilation
  • acidosis (DKA, AKI)
  • impaired O2 delivery (sickle cell, CO poisoning)
  • muscle weakness
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2
Q

Pattern of presentation

A

Circumstances - COVID, trauma
PHx - COPD, asthma, HF
Other symptoms - chest pain
Onset - acute, subacute

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3
Q

Common diagnoses

A

Asthma - past episodes, characteristic symptoms
COPD exacerbation - smoking Hx, chronic symptoms
HF - characteristic symptoms
Pneumonia - normally subacute
PE - non specific symptoms
PT - trauma
Blood loss - trauma, GI symptoms

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4
Q

Less common diagnoses

A
Arrythmias - AF can precipitate HF
Pulmonary edema from non HF causes
Upper airway obstruction
Anemia
CO poisoning
Hemothorax
Cardiac tamponade
Non-cardiopulmonary
-anxiety
-acidosis
-thyrotoxicosis
-muscular weakness
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5
Q

Differentiating between HF and COPD

A

HF

  • ankle swelling
  • high JVP
  • S3
  • inspiratory creps

COPD
-sputum production

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6
Q

Investigations

A

Immediate assessment - Hx, exam, NEWS

O2 if hypoxic

Venous access

  • FBC - anemia, infection
  • U&E - renal function, electrolytes disturbance
  • CRP
  • routine bloods - LFTs, glucose
  • Troponin, BNP, DD

ABG - esp in COPD
ECG
CXR
Specialised imaging - CTPA, echo (for pericardial effusion)

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7
Q

Common causes of chronic breathlessness

A

More lung based

  • COPD
  • asthma
  • pulmonary fibrosis
  • anemia
  • pulmpnary HTN
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8
Q

MOST COMMON ACUTE PRESENTATIONS

A

ASTHMA
COPD
HF

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