[Optimal management of patients with acute dyspnea and pulmonary diseases in a respiratory care unit].

Abstract

Acute dyspnea, a main symptom of different diseases in pneumology, cardiology and internal medicine, is one reason why patients present themselves in the emergency department (ED). Acute dyspnea is a frequent and complex symptom. Patients presenting with acute dyspnea in the ED are characterized by a higher rate of transfer to intensive care unit and mortality as compared to patient with chest pain or with abdominal pain. For optimal treatment of patients with acute dyspnea, a defined pathway, namely the specific pathway of a Respiratory Care Unit (RCU), should be established. To implement this, certain conditions concerning organisation, structure, personnel as well as contents need to be defined.