USMLE Adviser
Dyspnea: Step-by-Step Approach (Flowchart)
This is the complete dyspnea flowchart from the USMLE Adviser e-book, shared free. It turns the presentation into a short series of yes/no questions, the way Step 2 CK and Step 3 vignettes are reasoned through. The same logic is written out as text below the image.
The flowchart, step by step
- Sudden onset?
- Yes → Pleuritic chest pain?
- Yes → Unilateral ↓ breath sounds?
- Yes → Pneumothorax
- No → VTE risk / tachycardia / hypoxemia?
- Yes → Pulmonary embolism
- No → Consider other acute causes
- No → Stridor / facial or tongue swelling?
- Yes → Airway obstruction / anaphylaxis
- No → VTE risk / tachycardia / hypoxemia?
- Yes → Pulmonary embolism
- No → Consider other acute causes
- Yes → Unilateral ↓ breath sounds?
- No → Fever / cough?
- Yes → Pneumonia
- No → Wheezing?
- Yes → Asthma / COPD
- No → Orthopnea / PND / leg edema?
- Yes → Heart failure
- No → Exertional dyspnea + fatigue / pallor?
- Yes → Anemia
- No → Chronic dry cough + fine crackles?
- Yes → Interstitial lung disease
- No → Consider other causes
- Yes → Pleuritic chest pain?
Diagnoses covered
Pneumothorax, Pulmonary embolism, Consider other acute causes, Airway obstruction / anaphylaxis, Pneumonia, Asthma / COPD, Heart failure, Anemia, Interstitial lung disease, Consider other causes.
FAQs
What is the first question in the dyspnea flowchart?
The flowchart starts with Sudden onset? Each answer leads to the next yes/no decision until you reach a likely diagnosis.
Which diagnoses does this flowchart cover?
Pneumothorax, Pulmonary embolism, Consider other acute causes, Airway obstruction / anaphylaxis, Pneumonia, Asthma / COPD, Heart failure, Anemia, Interstitial lung disease, Consider other causes.
Is this the full flowchart from the e-book?
Yes. This is page 2 of the USMLE Adviser e-book, shared free. The full e-book has 232 flowcharts.
Related flowcharts
Want all 232 flowcharts?
The USMLE Adviser e-book has 232 one-page clinical flowcharts across 19 specialties for Step 2 CK, Step 3 and the Match. Instant digital download.
From Clinical Algorithms: Volumes 1 & 2 by Dr. Adnan Memon, MD (page 2). Reviewed by the USMLE Adviser Team. For exam preparation only, not medical advice.