Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Onset of Shortness of Breath

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Pulmonary Embolism: This condition is often characterized by the sudden onset of shortness of breath, which can be accompanied by chest pain and cough. It's a common and critical condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Acute Asthma Exacerbation: Sudden onset of shortness of breath can be a hallmark of an asthma attack, especially if triggered by allergens or respiratory infections.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation: Patients with COPD can experience sudden worsening of symptoms, including shortness of breath, often triggered by infections or air pollution.
• Pneumonia: Bacterial or viral pneumonia can cause sudden onset of shortness of breath, along with fever, cough, and chest pain.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): Although more commonly associated with chest pain, ACS can also present with shortness of breath as the primary symptom, especially in diabetic or elderly patients.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Cardiac Tamponade: A life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the sac around the heart, leading to impaired heart function and sudden shortness of breath.
• Tension Pneumothorax: A medical emergency where air enters the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse and leading to severe shortness of breath.
• Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction that can cause sudden onset of shortness of breath, along with other symptoms like rash, swelling, and hypotension.
• Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer can lead to sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and potentially fatal outcomes if not promptly treated.

Rare Diagnoses

• Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A rare condition characterized by abnormal immune cells in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms.
• Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A rare inflammatory condition of the lungs, often associated with shortness of breath and eosinophilia.
• Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis: A rare condition where cancer spreads to the lymphatic vessels in the lungs, causing shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms.
• Goodpasture Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause shortness of breath, along with kidney failure and hemoptysis, due to antibodies against the basement membrane of the lungs and kidneys.