Chronic shortness of breath is a subjective clinical challenge causing frustration for both patients and their healthcare team. Dyspneic patients are not limited to a single etiology for their dyspnea. In this lecture, we’ll discuss a few of the top causes of chronic dyspnea and the rationale behind the common tests ordered to evaluate it. We will also discuss common diagnostic & therapeutic pitfalls and how to empower patients with non-pharmacologic tools to improve their ability to feel less breathless. Objectives include:

1. Summarize the association between socioeconomic status and current trends in dyspnea prevalence. 
2. List at least 3 common causes of chronic dyspnea. 
3. State the rationale for initial diagnostic tests used in the evaluation of chronic dyspnea. 
4. Discuss nonpharmacologic measures for the symptomatic management of chronic dyspnea.

Using a clinical case, this lecture includes the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of acute respiratory failure.  Objectives include: 

1. Review pathophysiology of acute respiratory failure.

2. Recognize common radiographic and sonographic findings in ARF.

3. Understand the indication for and interpretation of arterial and venous blood gasses

4. Identify appropriate oxygen delivery modalities for ARF

5. Summarize an approach to treating ARF.

6. Explore how social determinants of health can impact risk of acute illness.