<br />Introduction :<br /><br />Dyspnea is a common clinical symptom characterized by difficulty or discomfort in breathing. It may result from mild conditions or life-threatening emergencies such as acute asthma attacks, pulmonary embolism, or heart failure. Rapid assessment and immediate intervention in an emergency setting are essential.<br /><br />Causes of Dyspnea in Emergencies :<br /><br />Cardiac causes: Congestive heart failure (CHF), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrhythmias.<br />Respiratory causes: Acute asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, pneumothorax.<br />Other causes: Severe anemia, anxiety or panic attacks, foreign bodies in the airway.<br /><br />Clinical Assessment: <br /><br />1.ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation): Ensure airway patency, assess breathing, and monitor vital signs.<br />2.Physical examination: Auscultation of lungs and heart; examination of neck and chest.<br />3.Rapid investigations: Electrocardiogram (ECG), arterial blood gases (ABG), chest X-ray, and relevant blood tests as needed.<br /><br />Emergency Management :<br /><br />- Oxygen support: Nasal cannula, non-rebreather mask, BiPAP, or intubation depending on severity.<br /><br />- Treatment of underlying cause:<br />Asthma: Bronchodilators and IV corticosteroids.<br />Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Oxygen therapy and bronchodilators.<br />Heart failure: Nitroglycerin and diuretics.<br />Pulmonary embolism: Anticoagulants ± thrombolytic therapy (TPA).<br />Pneumothorax: Needle decompression or chest tube insertion.<br />Pneumonia: Broad-spectrum antibiotics, oxygen, and IV fluids.<br /><br />- Continuous monitoring: Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and ongoing clinical reassessment.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Dyspnea is a serious symptom that may indicate a medical emergency. Successful management depends on rapid assessment, immediate respiratory support, and accurate diagnosis to guide effective treatment and save the patient’s life.<br /><br />Zahraa Jawad<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University <br />The First University in Iraq.