Diagnosis of dyspnea
Diagnosing dyspnea involves evaluating your breathing pattern, airways, and circulation.2 Your healthcare provider will do a physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic testing to determine the cause of dyspnea. During the physical exam, a healthcare provider will listen to your lungs and heart and check your lungs for signs of swelling. They may place a sensor called a pulse oximeter on your finger to measure your blood oxygen Your medical history will likely include the following information: When did your shortness of breath start? How long and how often do you experience shortness of breath? Do certain activities or triggers—such as exercise or exposure to allergens—make it worse? Do you have any heart or lung conditions? Do you have any family history of heart disease? Do you smoke? Are you regularly exposed to any possible irritants at home or at work? Diagnostic tests can help determine the underlying cause of dyspnea. Common diagnostic tests include:7 Pulmonary function tests: Tests that measure lung function, including how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly air you can exhale air, and how well your lungs transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide Chest imaging: X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that provide images of the lungs and heart to help identify any structural abnormalities Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): A test that measures your heart's electrical activity Blood tests: Tests that measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, as well as other markers that may indicate underlying diseases or conditions, such as blood clots, anemia, and infections Echocardiogram: An ultrasound that shows blood flow through the heart and can help identify structural or functional abnormalities