Andfådd

Andfådd is a Swedish adjective describing the sensation of being short of breath or having difficulty breathing. It is commonly used in medical and everyday contexts to refer to dyspnea, a subjective experience that can accompany a range of health conditions. The term typically denotes the patient’s perceived breathing difficulty, which may or may not be accompanied by observable signs such as rapid breathing or use of accessory muscles.

Etymology and usage notes: the word combines and (breath) with fädd/fådd (taken, received) and is often used in clinical descriptions of respiratory distress. In medical terminology, dyspnea is more formal, while andfådd is the everyday expression of the symptom. The term can describe different severities and onset patterns, including acute episodes and chronic breathing difficulties.

Causes and contexts: dyspnea can arise from problems in the lungs (for example asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax), the heart (such as heart failure or ischemia), or other body systems (anemia, metabolic acidosis). Exertional dyspnea occurs with physical activity, whereas orthopnea refers to breathing difficulty when lying flat. Psychological factors like anxiety can also contribute. Because the underlying causes are diverse, the symptom requires clinical assessment to determine the origin and appropriate treatment.

Assessment and differential diagnosis: evaluation usually includes a detailed history (onset, duration, triggers, accompanying symptoms), physical examination (vital signs, oxygen saturation, use of accessory muscles), and targeted investigations (blood tests, chest imaging, ECG). The differential diagnosis ranges from benign conditions to life-threatening emergencies, such as pulmonary embolism or acute heart failure.

Management and prognosis: treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may involve oxygen therapy, medications for respiratory or cardiac conditions, and supportive measures. Prognosis varies widely and depends on the root condition, timeliness of care, and presence of comorbidities.