Diagnosing Dyspneic Older Adult Emergency Department Patients: A Pilot Study

Dyspnea is the second leading cause of US emergency department (ED) visits and an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality1 in older adult patients aged ≥65 years. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of the cause of dyspnea presents diagnostic challenges to emergency physicians2-4 that disproportionately affects older adults.5 One in 5 dyspneic older adults experience missed diagnosis in the ED2 and 21% are treated for ≥1 pneumonia, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], and acute exacerbation of heart failure [HF].5 Importantly, some may have multiple causes of their dyspnea but accurate diagnosis remains critical.