Desktop Helper No.17 - Breathlessness in adults: A practical guide for primary care clinicians

Up to 10% of the population experiences long-term breathlessness (lasting more than four weeks), a symptom that has a widespread impact on those living with it and which often leads to emergency presentation if the underlying conditions are not well managed.^1-3 It is also highly associated with lower quality of life and poorer prognosis.^4-6 This desktop helper offers practical steps to primary care clinicians for the assessment and management of adults with long-term (chronic) distressing and disabling breathlessness. It aims to improve the consultation both for the individual and the clinician and offers practical ways to deal with this difficult symptom.