Examination of a 20 Year Old Woman with Episodes of Breathlessness course for GPs

This session uses a video clip to demonstrate how to perform a focused, problem-based physical examination on an adult presenting with episodes of breathlessness in primary care.

This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in September 2018.

Learning Objectives

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

• Perform an examination to differentiate between an exacerbation of asthma and other causes of shortness of breath
• Perform a problem-based targeted examination of the chest to help make a diagnosis
• Identify ‘red flag’ symptoms and signs associated with shortness of breath
• Use a peak flow meter correctly

Shortness of breath is a common symptom in general practice. This session concentrates on a patient who presents with episodes of breathlessness.