Innovations in lung function testing and analysis: Differential diagnosis of breathlessness

Breathlessness is a complex and debilitating symptom affecting up to 1 in 10 Australian adults. A cardinal indicator of numerous respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, it may also occur due to infection, poor physical condition, metabolic or mental health disease.

Diagnosing breathlessness and its underlying causes is a time-intensive, often fragmented process which can lead to financial and health system burden, late or misdiagnosis, and subsequent delays in treatment.

Digital innovations are enabling a systematic and evidence-based approach to distinguish breathlessness caused by respiratory conditions from that associated with other co-morbidities.

Hear from our expert panel on the modern landscape of lung imaging technology and the use of CT scans to diagnose and manage lung disease and breathlessness.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe evidence-based approaches to identifying and assessing breathlessness in clinical practice

2. Identify the available technology to support identification of structural and functional deficiencies in the lungs, enabling differential diagnosis of breathlessness

3. Discuss the available technology which supports ongoing monitoring and management of respiratory conditions and breathlessness