Unexplained breathlessness: Integrating pathophysiological insights with clinical evaluation

Abstract

Unexplained breathlessness is a challenging symptom encountered across diverse medical conditions. This review will briefly overview the interplay between central neural mechanisms and peripheral receptor activity leading to symptom perception. A holistic and multidisciplinary approach to unexplained breathlessness is crucial to assess and optimise known comorbidities, as well as investigate potential less common conditions associated with dyspnoea. Specific advanced testing modalities will be briefly discussed in the context of breathing pattern disorders, laryngeal hyperreactivity, disorders of the pulmonary vasculature, autonomic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords

• Complex breathlessness
• Unexplained breathlessness
• Exertional dyspnoea
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing