In this article, we will discuss the Differentiation between Cardiac Dyspnea and Bronchial Asthma (Physical Signs). So, let’s get started.
Physical Signs
Cardiac Dyspnea (asthma)
- Tachypnea, tachycardia, cyanosis (central, peripheral)
- Trachea central, normal in length
- No retraction of supraclavicular fossae or intercostal spaces
- Percussion note is dull at the bases
- Crackles at the bases
- Apex beat is normal or displaced
- Breath sounds are normal
- 3rd heart sound (gallop rhythm) may be present
Bronchial Asthma (dyspnea)
- They are less marked
- Trachea is central but palpable part is decreased
- Retraction of supraclavicular fossae and/or intercostal spaces is marked
- Hyper-resonant note may be present
- Both crackles and rales throughout the lungs
- Apex beat may not be normal
- Normal breath sounds with prolonged expiration
- No 3rd heart sound