[Dyspnea - pathophysiology and differential diagnosis].

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Respiratory Medicine
• Physiology

Context:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a prevalent symptom across medical specialties.
• Despite advanced research and imaging, the neurophysiological underpinnings of dyspnea remain unclear.

Purpose:

• To elucidate the neurophysiology of dyspnea.
• To explore the mismatch theory of efferent and afferent respiratory signaling.
• To provide a practical framework for classifying dyspnea.

Summary:

• Dyspnea may arise from a discordance between signals sent to respiratory muscles and sensory feedback from the lungs and chest wall.
• This mismatch reflects the efficiency of neural control over breathing.
• A clinical concept differentiates acute and chronic dyspnea based on increased breathing demand and/or impaired organ function.

Impact:

• Improved understanding of dyspnea mechanisms.
• Potential for enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for respiratory conditions.
• Facilitation of clinical decision-making in managing patients with breathing difficulties.