Definition
Dyspnea, in medical terms, is "shortness of breath". TheDifferential diagnosis
While shortness of breath is generally caused by disorders of theAcute coronary syndrome
COVID-19
People that have been infected byCongestive heart failure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
People withAsthma
Pneumothorax
Pneumonia
The symptoms ofPulmonary embolism
Anemia
Cancer
Shortness of breath is common in people with cancer and may be caused by numerous different factors. In people with advanced cancer, acute shortness of periods of time with severe shortness of breath may occur, along with a more continuous feeling of breathlessness.Other
Other important or common causes of shortness of breath includePathophysiology
Different physiological pathways may lead to shortness of breath including viaDiagnosis
The initial approach to evaluation begins by assessment of the airway, breathing, and circulation followed by aBlood tests
A number of labs may be helpful in determining the cause of shortness of breath.Imaging
ATreatment
The primary treatment of shortness of breath is directed at its underlying cause. Extra supplementalPhysiotherapy
Individuals can benefit from a variety ofPalliative medicine
Systemic immediate releaseNon-pharmacological techniques
Pharmacological treatment
For people with severe, chronic, or uncontrollable breathlessness, non-pharmacological approaches to treating breathlessness may be combined with medication. For people who have cancer that is causing the breathlessness, medications that have been suggested include opioids, benzodiazepines, oxygen, and steroids. Results of recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses found opioids were not necessarily associated with more effectiveness in treatment for patients with advanced cancer. Ensuring that the balance between side effects and adverse effects from medications and potential improvements from medications needs to be carefully considered before prescribing medication. The use of systematic corticosteriods in palliative care for people with cancer is common, however the effectiveness and potential adverse effects of this approach in adults with cancer has not been well studied.Epidemiology
Shortness of breath is the primary reason 3.5% of people present to theEtymology and pronunciation
English ''dyspnea'' comes fromSee also
*References
External links
Shortness Of Breath (Dyspnea)