Abstract: A system for quantitatively measuring dyspnea experienced by a person includes a hemodynamic sensor system configured to be held in close proximity to, or in contact with, the person's head or neck, and measure hemodynamic parameters of the person. The system includes a respiratory sensor system to measure respiratory metrics of the person, and a data processor configured to communicate with the hemodynamic sensor system to receive the hemodynamic parameters and with the respiratory sensor system to receive the respiratory metrics. The data processor is configured to calculate, based on the hemodynamic parameters, a quantitative score to represent physical discomfort experienced by the person, and make a determination, based on the quantitative score and the respiratory metrics, that the physical discomfort is caused by dyspnea rather than physical pain. The determination includes a sub-determination that the respiratory metrics have changed by a particular amount within a particular period of time.