Breathlessness and emergency care

What is it about?

This is a review of recent research about breathlessness in the emergency department (ED). It concludes that breathlessness is often a reason for ED presentation and repeat visits, as well as being a likely reason for admission to hospital. The main recommendation of the review is that it is advisable to identify, assess and manage breathlessness as well as treating the underlying condition and that ED presentation should be followed up by community-based support to help patients manage their breathlessness including preparing for future breathlessness crises.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Breathlessness is often the cause of a visit to the emergency department. This review puts emphasis on breathlessness as a symptom in its own right rather than only a sign of an underlying condition, with the aim of raising its significance to clinicians so that they will assess and manage it routinely.