Simple guide for the assessment and management of chronic breathlessness in primary care (in adults)

Chronic breathlessness in adults is defined as breathlessness lasting longer than 8 weeks. It is among the most common reasons people consult in primary care, and it frequently becomes a long-term condition driven by multiple treatable traits rather than a single disease. Many patients attend healthcare settings repeatedly before an explanatory diagnosis and effective management plan are reached.

Primary care plays a central role in early identification, investigation and management. A structured approach improves outcomes, reduces variation, avoids unnecessary referrals and supports timely detection and treatment of serious disease.

This simple guide provides information and guidance on the management of chronic breathlessness in primary and includes top tips which give users easy, 'quick wins' for improving management of this challenging and complex condition. It outlines new and existing national guidance and pathways which can be used to deliver effective, evidence-based and timely care. 

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Health Innovation Network, Oxford (HIN) for the provision of an education grant to support the production of this resource as part of the Elective Care Respiratory Pathways programme.