"I can't breathe"--assessment and emergency management of acute dyspnoea.
BACKGROUND
Acute dyspnoea is a distressing symptom that can suddenly affect any age group.


OBJECTIVE
The article provides an approach to the identification of causes and initial management of acute dyspnoea based on history, physical assessment, appropriate triage and investigation.


CONCLUSIONS
Successful management includes rapid assessment of the extent of the disease process, with emphasis on maintenance or protection of airway integrity and identification of impending respiratory failure. All general practice surgeries must have the appropriate equipment available, and staff trained in its use, to provide immediate relief to any patient who presents with dyspnoea. Urgent transfer from the general practice setting to a more specialised centre is usually necessary.
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia. peter_thomas@health.qld.gov.au
Peter
P
Thomas
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014218:Triage / Q000379:methods