Shortness of breath (dyspnoea) is a common reason for presentation to Emergency Departments. The causes can include flare up due to chronic conditions such as asthma, heart failure, or chronic lung disease.

Significant knowledge about patients admitted to hospital with common causes is available. However, information about dyspnoea as a symptom is inconclusive. Cause distribution, the proportion of patients requiring admission and whether treatment complies with evidence-based guidelines is also unclear.

With reliable data on this symptom across several hospitals in different countries, the study results can highlight care improvement opportunities.