Causes of Acute shortness of breath
Inhalation of foreign body [top]
Pulmonary embolism [top]
- Associated deep vein thrombosis
- Previous similar episodes
- Reduced peak expiratory flow rate
Exacerbation of COPD [top]
Pulmonary oedema [top]
- Cough productive of frothy pink sputum
- Orthopnoea - shortness of breath on lying flat
- Characteristic CXR findings
Anaphylaxis [top]
- Facial swelling, tongue swelling
- Hypotension and tachycardia