What questions would
you ask to find out more about the breathlessness?

• how long it has been occurring
• if it gets worse at a particular point in the day
•Do you get chest pain, palpitations or ankle swelling?
•Does it come on or get worse when you lie flat?
•Does anything bring it on? For example, pollen, pets or medication?
•Do you smoke?
•Do you also have a cough, or bring up phlegm?
•How active are you usually?
•What’s your job or occupation?
•Is your breathlessness related to certain times at work?
•Do you have a history of heart, lung or thyroid disease or of anaemia?
•Have you made any changes in your life because of your shortness of breath?
•Do you feel worried or frightened, depressed or hopeless?
•What have you done to help you cope with the way you’re feeling?
•Does it come and go or is it there all the time?
•Is there any pattern to your breathlessness?