hingamisraskuse

Hingamisraskuse, known clinically as dyspnea, is the subjective sensation of breathing discomfort or breathlessness. It is a symptom rather than a disease and can occur at rest or with activity. The experience varies in intensity and duration and may be accompanied by chest tightness, fatigue, or anxiety. Because it can reflect many conditions, its assessment focuses on the underlying cause as well as the degree of impairment.

Common causes fall into several categories. Pulmonary origins include asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax, and pulmonary embolism. Cardiac causes such as heart failure or ischemia, anemia, severe obesity, deconditioning, sepsis, and metabolic disturbances can also produce breathlessness. Psychological factors, including anxiety or panic, may mimic or worsen the symptom. Red flag features include sudden onset, chest pain, fainting, cyanosis, or altered mental status.

Evaluation involves a careful history and physical examination, followed by targeted testing. Basic assessment includes pulse oximetry and auscultation. Investigations may include chest imaging, electrocardiography, blood tests (including troponin or BNP), arterial blood gas, and spirometry when appropriate. In suspected life-threatening cases, immediate evaluation and treatment take priority.

Management is cause-directed. Immediate steps aim to secure the airway and optimize breathing, with supplemental oxygen if needed and continuous monitoring. Treatments may include bronchodilators for obstructive diseases, diuretics for heart failure, antibiotics for infection, anticoagulation for pulmonary embolism, or procedures for pneumothorax. Oxygen therapy and, in severe respiratory failure, non-invasive ventilation or hospitalization may be required. Prevention focuses on managing underlying illnesses and reducing risk factors. Seek urgent care if breathlessness is sudden, severe, or accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or confusion.