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Abstract
Dyspnea is one of the most common respiratory symptoms and is a term to indicate a subjective experience of breathing discomfort. Most patients with dyspnea can be categorized into two groups: respiratory system dyspnea and cardiovascular system dyspnea. The underlying mechanisms encompass variable interactions of physiological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Among these physiologic mechanisms are most important. Respiratory system dyspnea derives from stimulation of central or peripheral chemoreceptor, stimulation of mechanoreceptor, motor commands of cerebral cortex, afferent mismatch and/or neuromechanical dissociation due to derangements in the central controller, the ventilatory pump, and gas exchanger. Cardiovascular system dyspnea derives from impaired oxygen delivery and oxygen utilization due to cardiac disease, anemia, and deconditioning. The objective scales and standardized measurements for the subjective expression of dyspnea have been commonly used. The proper evaluation and treatment of dyspnea have to be planned taking underlying diseases and accompanying physiologic mechanisms into consideration.
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