Dyspné

Dyspnée, also spelled dyspnée in French and commonly called dyspnea in English, is a subjective sensation of breathing discomfort. It ranges from mild breathlessness to severe air hunger and may be acute or chronic.

Causes are varied and usually grouped as cardiopulmonary disorders and non-respiratory conditions. Common cardiopulmonary causes include heart failure, myocardial infarction or arrhythmias, COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, and interstitial lung disease. Non-respiratory contributors include anemia, obesity hypoventilation, deconditioning, anxiety, and certain medications.

Evaluation involves history, examination, and assessment of oxygenation. Key questions address onset, progression, triggers, and associated symptoms. Vital signs and pulse oximetry are routine; tests may include chest radiography, ECG, spirometry, blood counts, BNP, arterial blood gas, and selective imaging.

Management depends on the cause. General measures include ensuring airway and providing supplemental oxygen if needed. Specific therapies may involve bronchodilators and steroids for obstructive disease, diuretics for heart failure, antibiotics for infection, anticoagulation for pulmonary embolism, and non-invasive ventilation in selected cases. Chronic care may involve rehabilitation and treatment of the underlying disease.

Prognosis varies with the underlying condition; chronic dyspnea often indicates progressive disease and higher risk of hospitalization. Prompt assessment helps identify urgent problems and guide treatment.