[Dyspnea - pathophysiology and differential diagnosis].

Shortness of breath is a very common symptom and hence of interest for physicians of various specialities. Despite research including modern imaging methods the neurophysiology of dyspnea is still poorly understood. According to a frequently suggested theory, the basic mechanisms consist of a mismatch between efferent signals to the respiratory muscles and the afferent feedback from pulmonary and chest-wall receptors, which reflect the efficiency of innervation. A concept, useful in daily practice divides acute and chronic forms of dyspnea according to an increase need of breathing and/or an impaired organ function.