Investigating the Breathless Patient: A practical approach

Chronic breathlessness is a frequent presentation in general practice, yet the underlying cause is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can arise from multiple physiological systems. This complexity often leads to fragmented investigations and diagnostic delays.

Join GP Dr Anita Munoz, Respiratory Physician Dr Paul Hamor, and Radiologist Dr Dean Rabinowitz for a practical guide to assessing undifferentiated dyspnoea. This session introduces the "oxygen pathway"—a multisystem framework used to systematically assess airflow, gas exchange, cardiac pump function, and skeletal muscle utilisation.

Grounded in real-world case studies—including persistent dyspnoea with normal initial tests—this session equips you with a structured approach to avoid "double waiting periods" and escalate care effectively.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline a practical, multisystem framework for assessing chronic breathlessness.
2. Develop a structured approach to history-taking and examination that guides first-line investigations.
3. Select appropriate early investigations, including imaging, and understand what each modality can and cannot tell you.
4. Describe what comprehensive lung function testing adds beyond basic spirometry.
5. Formulate a referral plan for patients requiring respiratory, cardiac, or multidisciplinary assessment.

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Provider
The Provider of this activity is Praxhub. Praxhub is an authorised Provider of education under the RACGP CPD Program. For any questions regarding this webinar please contact support@praxhub.com.