Dyspnea differential diagnosis tree
A dyspnea differential diagnosis tree helps organize a symptom with many possible causes. It begins with respiratory and circulatory instability, then separates obstructive, infectious, pleuritic, cardiac and systemic patterns. The branches are prompts for targeted history and examination, not a diagnostic protocol. Students can use the tree to practice explaining their reasoning in a case discussion. Real shortness of breath can be urgent and always requires assessment appropriate to the severity and local clinical guidance.
Open it in the AI editor with a prompt pre-filled — keep what works, change what doesn't.
Scenario
A learner practices organizing causes of shortness of breath.
Key decisions
- Identify urgency: Severe distress and instability need immediate response.
- Recognize obstruction: Wheeze can focus the respiratory branch.
- Check infection and embolic clues: Symptoms guide further assessment.
- Retain breadth: Cardiac and systemic causes remain possible.
When to reuse this
Educational aid only; urgent symptoms require immediate professional evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Why start with instability?
Can wheeze only mean asthma?
Can I add investigations?
Tweak it with chat, export PNG/SVG, or fork it for your own use case.