For clinical reference only — does not replace local trust guidelines or clinical judgement.
Clinical Presentations

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of Breath

🚨 Life-Threatening — exclude first
If suspected, escalate now.
Massive Pulmonary Embolism
Tension Pneumothorax
Severe Asthma (silent chest)
Acute Pulmonary Oedema
Severe Pneumonia / Sepsis
Anaphylaxis
❤️

Cardiac Causes

Heart FailureAcute Coronary SyndromeArrhythmiasValvular Disease
🫁

Respiratory Causes

AsthmaCOPDPneumoniaPleural EffusionPneumothoraxPulmonary Fibrosis
🩸

Haematological Causes

Anaemia
🧠

Other Causes

AnxietyPanic AttackMetabolic AcidosisDeconditioning