Abstract

Breathlessness, or dyspnea, is a prevalent and distressing symptom with diverse underlying etiologies, encompassing pulmonary, cardiac, neuromuscular, and psychological factors. Despite its common occurrence and significant impact on quality of life, breathlessness remains a complex and often under-recognized clinical entity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the various etiologies, underlying mechanisms, assessment strategies, and management approaches for breathlessness. The assessment of breathlessness necessitates a systematic approach, incorporating history-taking, clinical examination, and diagnostic investigations. Management strategies aim to address the underlying cause, optimize respiratory function, and alleviate symptoms through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Challenges remain in elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms and developing personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual patient characteristics. Multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing research efforts are crucial for advancing our understanding and management of this pervasive symptom, ultimately improving the quality of life for affected individuals.