What are the causes and diagnostic evaluation of dyspnea?
Causes of dyspnea
Diagnostic evaluation of dyspnea
Dyspnea is a common symptom that affects up to half of patients who are admitted to the hospital for acute care.
The consciousness and control of breathing by the central nervous system are influenced by information from various receptors, including central and peripheral chemoreceptors, mechanical receptors in the lung parenchyma, airways, respiratory muscles, and skin.
The most frequent cause of syncope is vasovagal syncope, which often presents with a prodrome of weakness, dizziness, sweating, and nausea.
The diagnostic evaluation of dyspnea may include a chest X-ray, arterial blood gas analysis, tests for pulmonary embolism, and measurements of maximum expiratory flow.
The evaluation of chronic dyspnea may require specialized diagnostic tests, often in consultation with a pulmonologist.