EVALUATION OF DYSPNEA IN GENERAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Dyspnea is the subjective sensation of difficult breathing and depend not only on patophysiological changes but on patient emotional status also. In case of acute dyspnea patient often presents in the urgent care setting and rarely in the primary care practice. Heart and lung diseases account for most cases of chronic dyspnea. At times, the differentiation can be difficult; moreover, these causes often coexist. History remains the single most useful diagnostic modality. Exertional dyspnea occurs in both cardiac and pulmonary disease. Onset at rest in conjunction with inability to take in air are characteristic features of chronic anxiety. Simple pulmonary function tests are necessary for the diferential
diagnosis. In case if diagnosis remains unclear patients should be referred to pulmonologist or cardiologist.