Dyspnoea: Dyspnoea is listed as an alternate name or description for symptom:
Causes of Breathing difficulties (Dyspnoea): See detailed list of causes below.
Medical Book Extracts related to Breathing difficulties (Dyspnoea): Refer to the excerpt book sections about Breathing difficulties below.
Breathing difficulties (medical symptom): Various types of breathing difficulty (dyspnea).
Breathing difficulties (medical symptom): Breathing difficulty of any kind (or any kind of "shortness of breath") is a potentially life-threatening emergency. It can indicate numerous dangerous causes such as heart attack, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism. There are other less serious causes, but these highly dangerous conditions need to be considered. Refer to the causes of breathing difficulty or causes of chest pain. These symptoms need to be diagnosed immediately by a medical professional because they can represent a life-threatening emergency.
The list of medical condition causes of Breathing difficulties (Dyspnoea) includes:
All 2668 causes of Breathing difficulties
Review the causes of the following types of more specific symptoms for Dyspnoea:
Research the causes of these related symptoms that are similar to, or related to, the symptom Dyspnoea:
Research the causes of these symptoms that are more broader types of symptom than Dyspnoea:
For a medical symptom description of 'Dyspnoea', the following symptom information may be relevant to the symptoms: Breathing difficulties (symptom). However, note that other causes of the symptom 'Dyspnoea' may be possible.
More information on symptom: Breathing difficulties:
Free access to excerpts from published medical book extracts about the causes and diagnosis of Breathing difficulties from the following published medical books is available for more detailed information that is related to Dyspnoea.
... A patient with orthopnea is able to breathe without significant subjective difficulty in the sitting or upright position but almost invariably develops shortness of breath in the recumbent position. This symptom is most ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is the patient an adult or a child? If the patient is a child, acute epiglottitis, acute laryngotracheitis, foreign body, congenital laryngeal stridor, laryngismus stridulus, and a retropharyngeal ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Wheezing is classically due to bronchial asthma, but there is a danger in jumping to that conclusion because it occurs in a few other conditions as well. The wheezing of bronchial asthma is heard primarily on expiration, whereas the... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is the dyspnea acute? If the dyspnea is acute onset, one should ask if there is a drug history, particularly a history of mainlining narcotics. If ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Is there excessive snoring? Excessive snoring would indicate obstructive sleep apnea from large tonsils, deviated nasal septum, cleft palate, other abnormalities, and ... DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Orthopnea is defined as difficulty breathing (dyspnea) while in the recumbent position. The dyspnea is due to increased venous return to the lungs while recumbent, resulting in increased pulmonary venous and... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Tachypnea is defined as an increase in the normal respiratory rate. The normal respiratory rate varies with age (24–38 respirations per minute for children <1 year of age; 12–19 rpm for adults). Tachypnea is>... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspnea is defined as an abnormally uncomfortable awareness of breathing. It is one of the cardinal symptoms of cardiac and pulmonary disease, but may also result from abnormalities of the chest wall,... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is defined as severe difficulty breathing or air hunger that awakens the patient from sleep (usually 1–3 hours after lying down) and forces them to a sitting or standing position. The patient may... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Stridor is characterized by a high-pitched grating sound on inhalation or exhalation, but it is caused by narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway. Wheezing is a high-pitched musical sound on inhalation or exhalation that is due... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing; how long a pause is physiologically significant depends on age. History will often be more helpful than physical exam. Central apnea refers to a lack of... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Priority of stridor evaluation is based on history and clinical presentation. A child with new stridor and respiratory distress requires immediate intervention. The most common cause of... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Tachypnea is defined as rapid breathing. The younger the child, the faster the average respiratory rate, and the wider the acceptable range of normal. The average newborn may breathe anywhere between 30 and 80 respirations per minute, a 2... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Breath sounds are made by air flow through airways. Normally they are fairly quiet and somewhat louder during inspiration as air flows toward the stethoscope. Wheezing is defined as continuous... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspnea is defined as “shortness of breath,” so it is important to determine the effect of activity on breathing. Worsening when supine does not reliably differentiate left-sided cardiac disease... Differential Diagnosis ... Workup and Diagnosis ... Treatment ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspnea is the subjective feeling of rapid or difficult breathing. The patient will often say, “I can’t get my breath!” Tachypnea is the objective finding of a rapid respiratory rate ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Nurses frequently become distressed and summon the intern during the night about these signs. Cheyne–Stokes respirations are a frequent source of bewilderment because they may occur at times with no direct ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The differential diagnosis of sleep apnea may be arrived at by utilizing both physiology and anatomy. Normal sleep requires an unobstructed pathway from the nasopharynx to the ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Both these symptoms are the result of the same pathophysiologic mechanism: obstruction in the upper air passages. That obstruction may be due to any one of the etiologies recalled by the mnemonic ... READ EXCERPTS »
... When breathing requires extra effort, the accessory muscles — the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, pectoralis major, trapezius, internal intercostals, and abdominal muscles — stabilize... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Apnea, the cessation of spontaneous respiration, is occasionally temporary and self-limiting, as occurs during Cheyne-Stokes and Biot’s respirations. More commonly, however,... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Commonly preceding life-threatening apnea or respiratory arrest, bradypnea is a pattern of regular respirations with a rate of fewer than 10 breaths/minute. This sign results from neurologic and metabolic disorders and... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Asymmetrical chest expansion is the uneven extension of portions of the chest wall during inspiration. During normal respiration, the thorax uniformly expands upward and... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The most common pattern of periodic breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a waxing and waning period of hyperpnea that alternates with a shorter period of apnea. This pattern can occur normally in... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Hyperpnea indicates increased respiratory effort for a sustained period — a normal rate (at least 12 breaths/minute) with increased depth (a tidal volume greater than 7.5 ml/kg), an increased rate (more than 20 breaths... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Orthopnea — difficulty breathing in the supine position — is a common symptom of cardiopulmonary disorders that produce dyspnea. It’s usually a subtle symptom; the patient may complain that he can’t... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Respirations are shallow when a diminished volume of air enters the lungs during inspiration. In an effort to obtain enough air, the patient with shallow respirations usually breathes at an accelerated rate. However, as he tires or... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Characterized by a harsh, rattling, or snoring sound, stertorous respirations usually result from the vibration of relaxed oropharyngeal structures during sleep or coma, causing partial airway obstruction. Less... Emergency interventions ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A cardinal sign of respiratory distress in infants and children, retractions are visible indentations of the soft tissue covering the chest wall. They may be suprasternal (directly above the sternum and clavicles), intercostal ... Emergency interventions ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A loud, harsh, musical respiratory sound, stridor results from an obstruction in the trachea or larynx. Usually heard during inspiration, this sign may also occur during expiration in... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A common sign of cardiopulmonary disorders, tachypnea is an abnormally fast respiratory rate — 20 or more breaths/minute. Tachypnea may reflect the need to increase minute volume — the amount of air breathed each... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Typically a symptom of cardiopulmonary dysfunction, dyspnea is the sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing. It's usually reported as shortness of breath. Its severity varies greatly and is usually unrelated to the severity of... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Typically dramatic and terrifying to the patient, this sign refers to an attack of dyspnea that abruptly awakens the patient. Common findings include diaphoresis, coughing, wheezing... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Wheezes are adventitious breath sounds with a high-pitched, musical, squealing, creaking, or groaning quality. They are caused by air flowing at a high velocity through a... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Asthma Extrinsic Intrinsic Exercise- or cold-induced Drug-induced ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Acute Pleuropulmonary causes Obstructive lung disease Asthma ... READ EXCERPTS »
... When breathing requires extra effort, the accessory muscles—the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, pectoralis major, trapezius, internal intercostals, and abdominal muscles—stabilize the thorax during... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Apnea, the cessation of spontaneous respiration, is occasionally temporary and self-limiting, as in Cheyne-Stokes and Biot’s respirations. In most cases, though, it’s a life... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Commonly preceding life-threatening apnea or respiratory arrest, bradypnea is a pattern of regular respirations with a rate of fewer than 10 breaths/minute. This sign may result from neurologic or metabolic... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Asymmetrical chest expansion is the uneven extension of portions of the chest wall during inspiration. During normal respiration, the thorax uniformly expands upward and outward, then contracts downward and inward. When this... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The most common pattern of periodic breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a waxing and waning period of hyperpnea that alternates with a shorter period of... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Hyperpnea indicates increased respiratory effort for a sustained period—a normal rate (at least 12 breaths/minute) with increased depth (a tidal volume greater than 7.5 ml... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Orthopnea—difficulty breathing in the supine position—is a common symptom of cardiopulmonary disorders that produce dyspnea. It’s often a subtle symptom; the... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Characterized by a deep, low-pitched grunting sound at the end of each breath, grunting respirations are a chief sign of respiratory distress in infants and children. They may be soft and heard only on auscultation, or loud and clearly... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Respirations are shallow when a diminished volume of air enters the lungs during inspiration. In an effort to obtain enough air, the patient with shallow respirations usually breathes at an accelerated rate. However, as he tires... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Characterized by a harsh, rattling, or snoring sound, stertorous respirations usually result from the vibration of relaxed oropharyngeal structures during sleep or coma, causing partial airway obstruction. Less often, these respirations... Emergency interventions ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A cardinal sign of respiratory distress in infants and children, retractions are visible indentations of the soft tissue covering the chest wall. They may be suprasternal (directly above the sternum and clavicles), intercostal (between the... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A loud, harsh, musical respiratory sound, stridor results from an obstruction in the trachea or larynx. Usually heard during inspiration, this sign may also occur during expiration in severe... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A common sign of cardiopulmonary disorders, tachypnea is an abnormally fast respiratory rate—20 or more breaths/minute. Tachypnea may reflect the need to increase minute volume... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Typically a symptom of cardiopulmonary dysfunction, dyspnea is the sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing. It’s usually described as shortness of breath. Its severity varies greatly and is usually unrelated to... Emergency interventions ... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Typically dramatic and terrifying to the patient, this sign refers to an attack of dyspnea that abruptly awakens the patient. Common findings include diaphoresis, coughing,... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Alexandra Duke and Tahany Maurice-Habashy Stridor is a common type of wheezing (Chapter 8.9). It is characterized by a harsh, raspy, medium-pitched sound produced... Approach ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Thomas C. Bent Wheezing is one of the most common respiratory complaints to present to primary care physicians. Although most often caused by asthma or chronic obstructive... Approach ... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Robert M. Theal Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, accounts for 3.7% of all visits to medical clinics (1). Approach The initial history, physical examination,... History ... Physical examination ... Testing ... Diagnostic assessment ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview Wheezing ❑ Asthma ❑ Reactive airways disease ❑ Pulmonary edema... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Asthma ❑ COPD exacerbation ❑ Left heart failure ❑ Pneumonia ... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Differential Overview ❑ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ❑ Congestive heart failure ❑ Asthma ❑... Diagnostic Approach ... Clinical Findings ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Apnea is the cessation of spontaneous respiration and is usually a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent death. It may occur as a temporary and self... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Commonly preceding life-threatening apnea or respiratory arrest, bradypnea is a pattern of regular respirations with a rate of less than 10 breaths/minute. This sign results from neurologic and metabolic disorders and... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Asymmetrical chest expansion is the uneven extension of portions of the chest wall during inspiration. During normal respiration, the thorax uniformly expands upward and outward, and then contracts downward and inward. When this... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a waxing and waning period of hyperpnea that alternates with a shorter period of apnea. It’s the most common pattern of periodic breathing. This pattern... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Hyperpnea indicates increased respiratory effort for a sustained period — a normal rate (at least 12 breaths/minute) with increased depth (a tidal volume greater than 7.5 ml/kg), an increased rate (more... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Characterized by a deep, low-pitched grunting sound at the end of each breath, grunting respirations are a chief sign of respiratory distress in infants and children. They may be soft and heard only on auscultation, or loud and... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Respirations are shallow when a diminished volume of air enters the lungs during inspiration. In an effort to obtain enough air, the patient with shallow respirations usually breathes at an accelerated rate. However,... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Characterized by a harsh, rattling, or snoring sound, stertorous respirations usually result from the vibration of relaxed oropharyngeal structures during sleep or coma, causing partial airway obstruction. Less commonly, these respirations... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A cardinal sign of respiratory distress in infants and in children, retractions are visible indentations of the soft tissue covering the chest wall. They may be suprasternal (directly above the sternum and clavicles),... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A loud, harsh, musical respiratory sound, stridor results from an obstruction in the trachea or larynx. Other causes include foreign-body aspiration, croup syndrome, laryngeal diphtheria, pertussis, retropharyngeal... Assessment ... History ... Physical assessment ... Pediatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A common sign of cardiopulmonary disorders, tachypnea is an abnormally fast respiratory rate — 20 or more breaths/minute. Tachypnea may reflect the need to increase minute volume — the amount of air breathed each minute. Under... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Wheezes are adventitious breath sounds with a high-pitched, musical, squealing, creaking, or groaning quality. They’re caused by air flowing at a high velocity through a narrowed airway. When they originate in the large airways, they... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Typically a symptom of cardiopulmonary dysfunction, dyspnea is the sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing. It’s usually reported as shortness of breath. Its severity varies... Assessment ... History ... Physical examination ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... When breathing requires extra effort, the accessory muscles — the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, pectoralis major, trapezius, internal intercostal, and abdominal muscles — stabilize the thorax during respiration. Some... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Commonly preceding life-threatening apnea or respiratory arrest, bradypnea is a pattern of regular respirations with a rate of less than 10 breaths/minute. This sign results... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Asymmetrical chest expansion is the uneven extension of portions of the chest wall during inspiration. During normal respiration, the thorax uniformly expands upward and outward, then contracts downward and inward. When this... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The typical patient with hyperpnea breathes at a normal or increased rate and inhales deeply, displaying marked chest expansion. He may complain of shortness of breath if a respiratory disorder... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Orthopnea — difficulty breathing in the supine position — is a common symptom of cardiopulmonary disorders that produce dyspnea. In many patients, it’s a subtle symptom; the patient may... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Characterized by a deep, low-pitched grunting sound at the end of each breath, grunting respirations are a chief sign of respiratory distress in infants and children. They may be soft and heard only on auscultation, or loud and clearly... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Respirations are shallow when a diminished volume of air enters the lungs during inspiration. In an effort to obtain enough air, the patient with shallow respirations usually breathes at an... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Characterized by a harsh, rattling, or snoring sound, stertorous respirations usually result from the vibration of relaxed oropharyngeal structures during sleep or coma, causing partial airway obstruction. Less commonly, these... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A cardinal sign of respiratory distress in infants and children, retractions are visible indentations of the soft tissue covering the chest wall. They may be suprasternal (directly above the sternum and clavicles),... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A loud, harsh, musical respiratory sound, stridor results from an obstruction in the trachea or larynx. Usually heard during inspiration, this sign may also occur during expiration in severe upper... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A common sign of cardiopulmonary disorders, tachypnea is an abnormally fast respiratory rate — 20 or more breaths/minute. Tachypnea may reflect the need to increase minute volume — the amount of air... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Wheezes are adventitious breath sounds with a high-pitched, musical, squealing, creaking, or groaning quality. Also known as sibilant rhonchi, they’re caused by air flowing at a high velocity through a narrowed airway. When... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Typically a symptom of cardiopulmonary dysfunction, dyspnea is the sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing. It’s usually reported as shortness of breath. Its... Emergency Actions ... History ... Physical assessment ... Medical causes ... Special considerations ... Pediatric pointers ... Geriatric pointers ... Patient counseling ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
...Wheezing is a high-pitched musical soundthat is usually produced by narrowing of the segmental bronchi andbronchioles. May be heard during inspiration, expiration, or both. Principal Causes of Wheezing ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis ... Diagnostic Approach ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »
...Signs of respiratory distress include tachypnea,dyspnea, nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis. Apneais an extreme form of respiratory distress. Respiratory distress(neonatal and postneonatal) is discussed in the... Principal Causes of Respiratory Distress (Neonatal) ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis: Respiratory Distress (Neonatal) ... Principal Causes of Respiratory Distress (Postneonatal) ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis: Respiratory Distress (Postneonatal) ... Diagnostic Approach: Respiratory Distress ... Principal Causes of Apnea ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis: Apnea ... Diagnostic Approach: Apnea ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Stertoris noisy, snoring-type breathing that results from airway obstructionin the nose, nasopharynx, or oropharynx. The sounds are heard onlyduring inspiration. Stridor is a low- to medium... Principal Causes of Airway Obstruction ... Clinical Features and Diagnosis ... Diagnostic Approach ... References ... READ EXCERPTS »
... When breathing requires extra effort, the accessory muscles—the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, pectoralis major, trapezius, internal intercostals, and abdominal muscles&mdash... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Apnea, the cessation of spontaneous respiration, is occasionally temporary and self-limiting, as occurs during Cheyne-Stokes and Biot's respirations. More commonly, it's a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Commonly preceding life-threatening apnea or respiratory arrest, bradypnea is a pattern of regular respirations with a rate of fewer than 10 breaths/minute. This sign results from... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Asymmetrical chest expansion is the uneven extension of portions of the chest wall during inspiration. During normal respiration, the thorax uniformly expands upward and outward, and then contracts downward and inward. When this... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The most common pattern of periodic breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a waxing and waning period of hyperpnea that alternates with a shorter period of apnea. This pattern can occur normally in patients... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Hyperpnea indicates increased respiratory effort for a sustained period—a normal rate (at least 12 breaths/minute) with increased depth (a tidal volume greater than 7.5 ml/kg), an increased rate (more than 20... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Orthopnea—difficulty breathing in the supine position—is a common symptom of cardiopulmonary disorders that produce dyspnea. It's usually a subtle symptom; the patient may complain that he can't catch his breath... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Characterized by a deep, low-pitched grunting sound at the end of each breath, grunting respirations are a chief sign of respiratory distress in infants and children. They may be soft and heard only on auscultation, or loud and clearly... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Respirations are shallow when a diminished volume of air enters the lungs during inspiration. In an effort to obtain enough air, the patient with shallow respirations usually breathes at an accelerated rate. However, as... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Characterized by a harsh, rattling, or snoring sound, stertorous respirations usually result from the vibration of relaxed oropharyngeal structures during sleep or coma, causing... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A cardinal sign of respiratory distress in infants and children, retractions are visible indentations of the soft tissue covering the chest wall. They may be suprasternal (directly above the sternum and clavicles), intercostal... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A loud, harsh, musical respiratory sound, stridor results from a partial to near complete obstruction of the trachea or larynx. Usually heard during inspiration, this sign may also occur during... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... A common sign of cardiopulmonary disorders, tachypnea is an abnormally fast respiratory rate—greater than 20 breaths/minute. Tachypnea may reflect the need to increase minute... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Other causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Typically a symptom of cardiopulmonary dysfunction, dyspnea is the sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing. It's usually reported as shortness of breath. Its severity varies... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Typically dramatic and terrifying to the patient, this sign refers to an attack of dyspnea that abruptly awakens the patient. Common findings include diaphoresis, coughing,... History and physical examination ... Medical causes ... Nursing considerations ... Patient teaching ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Nurses frequently become distressed and summon the intern during the night about these signs. Cheyne–Stokes respirations are a frequent source of bewilderment because they... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... The differential diagnosis of sleep apnea may be arrived at by utilizing both physiology and anatomy. Normal sleep requires an unobstructed pathway from the nasopharynx to the lung and... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Both these symptoms are the result of the same pathophysiologic mechanism: obstruction in the upper air passages. That obstruction may be due to any one of the... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Dyspnea is the subjective feeling of rapid or difficult breathing. The patient will often say, “I can’t get my breath!” Tachypnea is the objective finding of a rapid... Pictures ... READ EXCERPTS »
... Charles Schwartz, MD Dyspnea - BASICS Dyspnea - description Shortness of breath. A subjective feeling of having difficulty breathing. ... Dyspnea - TREATMENT ... Dyspnea - FOLLOW UP ... Dyspnea - bibliography ... Dyspnea - CODES ... Dyspnea - FAQ ... READ EXCERPTS »
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