Breathing difficulty

The physical examination will include a thorough examination of the lungs, heart, and upper airway passages.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

• Blood tests including arterial blood gases
• Measurement of blood oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry)
• ECG
• X-ray of the chest
• Pulmonary function tests
• Exercise testing
• CT scan of the chest
• Echocardiogram

In severe cases of difficulty breathing, hospitalization may be required. Many different medications, aimed at treating the cause of breathing difficulty, may be used in treatment.

In situations where the blood oxygen level is significantly low, supplemental oxygen is helpful. High doses of supplemental oxygen may be hazardous for some patients, however, and is not necessary in all cases of shortness of breath.

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