Dyspnoea

This chapter presents a case study to illustrate the necessary skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to manage dyspnoea. It addresses several questions such as: What is dyspnoea? What is the underlying pathophysiology? How common is this condition? What are the risk factors for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? What abnormalities might you see on a chest X-ray of a person with COPD? What pulmonary function tests should be ordered to make or confirm a diagnosis of COPD? What are the management goals in COPD?