Shortness of Breath

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Blood pressure measurement [< 90 mmHg → shock] Pulse oximetry* (method for non-invasive determination of arterial oxygen saturation via measurement of light absorption) [severity of hypoxia/oxygen deficiency]. Electrocardiogram (ECG; … Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Diagnostic Tests

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may occur along with dyspnea (shortness of breath): Leading symptom Dyspnea (= subjective symptom of shortness of breath or dyspnea, also air hunger). Associated symptoms Anxiety Increased effort when breathing Tachypnea (respiratory rate > 20-25 breaths/min, in adults; for age-dependent definition of tachypnea, see “Respiratory rate measurement” below). Hyperpnea (deepened … Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of dyspnea (shortness of breath). Family history What is the general health of your family members? Are there any cardiovascular or respiratory diseases in your family that are common? Social history What is your profession? Are you exposed to harmful working substances in … Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Medical History

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Laryngomalacia – pathologic softening of the larynx. Laryngeal sail formations (English : web). Subglottic stenosis (laryngeal narrowing). Recurrent paresis (vocal cord paralysis). Respiratory system (J00-J99) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) – acute progressive respiratory failure. Aspiration pneumonia1 (form of pneumonia resulting from aspiration of foreign bodies or fluids). … Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [edema (water retention in tissues); cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin and central mucous membranes, e.g., tongue) … Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Examination

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or PCT (procalcitonin). Urine status (rapid test for: pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, ketone, urobilinogen, bilirubin, blood), sediment, if necessary urine culture (pathogen detection and resistogram, that is, testing suitable antibiotics for sensitivity / resistance). Electrolytes … Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Test and Diagnosis