Acute Medicine | Palliative care | Assessment of breathlessness

Assessment of breathlessness
Session overview
Description
This session gives a framework of how to assess breathlessness as an essential first step to appropriate management in the patient approaching the end of life.

This session was reviewed by Richard Kitchen and last updated in August 2021.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• give a working definition of breathlessness, encompassing the physical experience and other factors
• recognise the different types of pathophysiology (aetiology) that underlie breathlessness
• outline the core steps involved in an assessment of breathlessness, to reach a diagnosis and initiate a management plan - listing the key elements of a breathlessness history and examination
• recognise the range of investigations that can be used to aid diagnosis and treatment of breathlessness, if appropriate for the patient

Breathlessness, also known as dyspnoea, is an important symptom in advanced disease, both malignant and non-malignant. Variously described as difficult, laboured or uncomfortable breathing, it is distressing for patients and is a subjective sensation. It is influenced by, and influences, mood and can have a significant negative impact on a patient's function and quality of life.