Dyspnea

When obtaining a history what is the most important distinction to make prior to populating a differential diagnosis?

acute vs chronic

What are the causes of acute dyspnea related to pulmonary dysfunction?

asthma airway obstruction pe pneumonia pneumothorax airway irritants

What is the differential diagnosis for cough?

bronchitis asthma pneumonia airway irritation

What test can be used to determine the physiological limits of exercise?

cardiopulmonary exercise testing

In chronic dyspnea, what additional test should be ordered?

cbc for anemia

What are two other causes of chronic dyspnea not related to cardiac or pulmonary etiology?

chronic anemia obesity

What are the causes of chronic dyspnea related to pulmonary dysfunction?

copd interstitial lung disease pleural effusions pulmonary hypertension neuromuscular disease severe kyphoscoliosis

In the event of acute dyspnea, what are the 5 symptoms that will help guide your differential diagnosis?

cough hemoptysis sputum production pleuritic pain visceral chest pain

What are three tests used to evaluate a patient presenting with acute onset dyspnea?

cxr abgs helical ct

What is the differential diagnosis for hemoptysis?

pe bronchitis pneumonia

Dyspnea can arise from abnormalities in these systems:

pulmonary cardiac hematologic musculoskeletal

In the setting of chronic dyspnea, what historical features should be questioned?

smoking cardiac history environmental exposure

Which physical exam findings are important to look for when evaluating the patient with acute dyspnea?

tracheal deviation stridor wheezing rales, s3, jvd leg swelling or pain

Among outpatients what are the four most commonly encountered causes of dyspnea?

heart failure copd asthma anxiety

What are the causes of chronic dyspnea related to cardiac dysfunction?

heart failure restrictive pericarditis

What are the causes of acute dyspnea related to cardiac dysfunction?

heart failure tamponade

What are two other causes of dyspnea that are less common in presentation?

high altitude hemolysis

Which physical exam findings are important to look for when evaluating the patient with chronic dyspnea?

hyperexpansion fixed split s2, rt ventricular heave, jvd rales