Abstrakt

The term dyspnea describes uncomfortable breathing sensations, which can be related to derangements in the respiratory controller, ventilatory pump, or gas exchanger. Dyspnea can relate to various sensations, so called descriptors, which can be grouped into clusters, according to their pattern of occurrence in an attempt to differentiate underlying disturbances. The exact mechanisms of dyspnea have not fully been clarified. Simplified, they can be described as a mismatch between afferent signals from peripheral receptors and the generated neural output to the respiratory system. Various instruments to assess the character and severity of dyspnea have been developed. Furthermore, the occurrence and severity of dyspnea are important parameters used in questionnaires assessing the quality of life. The diagnostic approach in patients with dyspnea has to be adapted according to the risk of the patient and the probability of certain diseases. Usually, a stepwise approach is applied, beginning with clinical, laboratory and non-invasive studies, which have to be supplemented with more advanced and occasionally invasive studies in appropriate patients.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• R. Ewert¹
• J. Winkler²
• C. Opitz¹,³

Abteilungen

• ¹ Klinik für Innere Medizin B, Bereich Pneumologie/Infektiologie, Universitätsmedizin, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität, Greifswald,
• ² Facharztpraxis Pneumologie/Allergologie, Leipzig,
• ³ Klinik für Innere Medizin, Schwerpunkt Kardiologie, DRK Kliniken, Berlin-Köpenick

Adresse

Prof. Dr. med. R. Ewert
Klinik für Innere Medizin B
Bereich Pneumologie/Infektiologie
Universitätsmedizin
Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität
F.-Loeffler-Straße 23a
D–17475 Greifswald
Email: [email protected]

Citation