Dyspnoea ( Shortness of breath )

Onset ( sudden , gradual , worsening of existing condition )

Duration ( acute , subacute , chronic )

Severity ( constant , chronic ,intermittent )

At rest , on exertion , with change in body position

Degree of urgency

Timing of the day ? worse at night ? early morning or when lying down

Exacerbating and relieving factors- e.g on effort, dust exposure- relieved by rest , inhalers , GTN , lying down

Exercise tolerance ( consider using tool as MRC dyspnoea scale )

Level of disability due to the problem ? what is that he / she is unable to do or has stopped doing due to the symptoms

Known cardiac or respiratory problems

Previous presentations

Smoking & alcohol use , substance misuse

Family h/o CAD , dilated cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death )

Family h/o lung disease

Medication history

Occupational history ( exposure to dust / chemicals )

Habits , pets , travel

Social circumstances ( incd stress levels , emotional )

cough /wheeze , stridor

phlegm ( colour , quantity , character )

fever

sore throat

chest pain , pleuritic chest pain

haemoptysis

palpitations

trauma

orthopnoea / PND / peripheral oedema

indigestion / GORD / dysphagia...