SOB (shortness of breath)
Formal Definition
Dyspnea — the subjective sensation of difficulty breathing or inadequate air intake.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Patient c/o SOB" — shortness of breath, the most common chief complaint in cardiology and pulmonology.
Example
""62-year-old with history of CHF presenting with 3 days of progressive SOB, orthopnea, and bilateral leg swelling. Exam notable for crackles and 2+ pitting edema.""
Clinical Context
SOB is subjective — patients describe it differently. Always quantify: at rest vs. exertional, orthopnea (how many pillows?), PND (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea). Context separates cardiac from pulmonary from anxiety.
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