Dyspnea Evaluation: A Practical Approach for the Practicing Physician
Ortega Gill, J.; Hernandez-Suarez, D.F.; López-Candales, A.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 109(1): 29-38
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 Document Number: 703066
Dyspnea is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by patients. Even though the true incidence of dyspnea has not been truly defined; dyspnea represents a very frequent symptom that afflicts millions of people all over the world. Moreover, dyspnea represents not only a large burden to patients but also to society regarding utilization of healthcare services. Even though therapeutic options in general are limited, and specific cardiopulmonary interactions that may precipitate, perpetuate and contribute to the eventual deterioration are sometimes difficult to distinguish; it is critically important to distinguish between cardiac and pulmonary causes of dyspnea as both might exhibit similar physical and radiological findings. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the concept of dyspnea, its pathophysiologic mechanisms, evaluation and accurate diagnosis, and hopefully, influence clinical practice by offering clues that may improve the overall medical care in patients presenting with this symptom.
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