Medical glossary
Dyspnea
The sensation of breathlessness or shortness of breath.
Definition
Dyspnea is subjective breathlessness. Causes range from deconditioning and anxiety to asthma, heart failure, anaemia, and pulmonary embolism. Sudden, severe, or rest dyspnea is a red flag and needs urgent assessment.
See also
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Glossary entries are general reference, not medical advice for any specific person.