Dispne

Dispne is a term used in some medical texts to denote the sensation of shortness of breath. The standard spellings are dyspnea or dyspnoea. It is a subjective experience and not a disease; its intensity can range from mild exertional breathlessness to severe dyspnea at rest.

Causes are varied and typically grouped as cardiopulmonary conditions (heart failure, COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax) and non-pulmonary factors (anemia, metabolic acidosis, obesity, deconditioning, anxiety). Acute onset can signal a life-threatening problem; gradual worsening may reflect chronic disease.

Evaluation starts with history and physical examination, focusing on onset, duration, triggers, accompanying symptoms, and risk factors. Diagnostic tests commonly include pulse oximetry, chest radiography, electrocardiography, and blood tests. Arterial blood gas analysis assesses gas exchange. Further tests such as echocardiography, CT pulmonary angiography, or pulmonary function testing may be needed.

Severity guides management; scales such as the Borg scale or the MRC dyspnea scale are used in some settings. Red flags include severe dyspnea with cyanosis, altered mental status, shock, or suspected life-threatening causes such as pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax.

Management targets the underlying cause and relieves symptoms. Oxygen therapy for hypoxemia, bronchodilators for obstructive disease, diuretics for fluid overload, and specific treatments for identified conditions are used as appropriate. In severe cases, noninvasive or invasive ventilation may be required; ongoing evaluation and management of risk factors are essential.