Story perspectives

Shortness of Breath: 6x Death Risk in Hospital Patients

11/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Patients with shortness of breath after hospital admission have a sixfold higher risk of death than those without the symptom, per ERJ Open Research.
The analysis included nearly 10,000 patients and was led by Robert Banzett, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School.
The researchers found that a simple dyspnoea rating could enhance patient care.
Experts say further research is needed, and 94% survive hospitalization, suggesting dyspnoea assessment could improve management.

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Story summary

Patients with shortness of breath after hospital admission have a sixfold higher risk of death than those without the symptom, per ERJ Open Research.
The analysis included nearly 10,000 patients and was led by Robert Banzett, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School.
The researchers found that a simple dyspnoea rating could enhance patient care.
Experts say further research is needed, and 94% survive hospitalization, suggesting dyspnoea assessment could improve management.