Evaluating Dyspnea in the Athletic Patient

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath during exercise is a common complaint among athletes at all levels of participation. When individuals feel that their respiratory symptoms are interfering with their ability to perform to expectations, they may seek the advice of a health care provider. The differential diagnoses for exercise-induced dyspnea present a spectrum of conditions with varying degrees of risk. A careful evaluation is warranted in these cases to develop a plan of care appropriate for each patient. Objective diagnostic testing is critical to obtaining an accurate diagnosis.