Dyspnea
Formal Definition
Subjective sensation of difficulty breathing or breathlessness.
How It's Used on the Ward
"SOB" (shortness of breath) in documentation. "The patient is short of breath" verbally.
Example
""Chief complaint: Dyspnea on exertion for 3 days, now dyspneic at rest. Denies orthopnea or PND.""
Clinical Context
Dyspnea is subjective (what the patient feels). Tachypnea is objective (fast breathing rate). Don't confuse them.
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