The assessment and management of acute dyspnoea: a case study

Dyspnoea - a broad term that describes an unpleasant awareness of one's breathing, often synonymous with breathlessness - is a presenting complaint of significant burden to emergency care. In this case study the authors reflect on the assessment and treatment of a patient presenting to the emergency department (ED) with breathlessness. The importance of effective history taking and physical examination is highlighted, and an overview of the techniques used to elicit information is provided. Appropriate investigations are discussed alongside their limitations. Differential diagnoses are considered; however, particular focus is given to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Existing treatment options, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, are critiqued, and recommendations are made for further research and future practice. Review of this article will equip advanced clinical practitioners to effectively assess, diagnose and treat patients presenting to the ED with dyspnoea.