Breathlessness

Breathlessness, also known as dyspnoea or shortness of breath, is a common and complex symptom. It can signal serious underlying health conditions, impact quality of life, and increase the risk of emergency hospital visits. Yet breathlessness often goes unrecognised, under-assessed, and poorly managed – especially in primary care. 

Whether acute (developing over hours to days) or chronic (persisting for more than 4 to 8 weeks), breathlessness can stem from a wide range of causes, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart failure, obesity, physical deconditioning, anxiety, and depression.  

Early identification and accurate diagnosis of the cause of breathlessness is essential for effective management and better patient outcomes. Yet fewer than 30% of breathlessness-related diagnoses made in primary care are consistent with the final specialist diagnosis.

Prevalence of breathlessness

Research from the Australian National Breathlessness Survey (2019) shows: 

• 9.5% of adults experience clinically significant breathlessness.
• In older adults, the prevalence is even higher, affecting nearly half of those aged 65 and over.
• More than 50% of people living with breathlessness have no formal diagnosis of a respiratory or cardiac condition.

Impact of breathlessness 

Breathlessness is more than just a symptom, it’s a serious health issue that affects every aspect of a person’s life. It severely impacts mobility, daily activities, productivity and social participation. The anxiety and fear associated with breathlessness can lead to social isolation, depression and diminished quality of life. It leads to frequent hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and long-term medical treatments, contributing to substantial healthcare costs. A study found that 1 in 5 ambulance presentations to the emergency department were due to acute or chronic breathlessness. 

Clinical tools and resources

Identifying, assessing and diagnosing breathlessness e-Learning module 

In collaboration with clinical experts in breathlessness, Lung Foundation Australia have developed a free, accredited eLearning course for primary care health professionals. 

The course provides evidence-based methods for identifying and assessing breathlessness, practical self-management advice for patients, and ongoing resources and support. The eLearning introduces the breathlessness checklist shared-care tool and includes a reflective practice audit guide. It also provides evidence-based methods for identifying and assessing breathlessness, practical self-management advice for patients, and ongoing resources and support.