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Descriptors and perception of dyspnea in African-American asthmatics
D Scott Trochtenberg1, Rhonda BeLue
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee 37208, USA. dtrochtenberg@mmc.edu
Objective:
This study explores self-reported perception of asthma symptoms in African-Americans.
Methods:
Qualitative methodology was used to analyze the responses from African-Americans within focus groups from Nashville, Tennessee.
Results:
Common symptoms were chest tightness, "breathing problems," and wheeze. Less commonly reported symptoms included cough, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, and "short of breath." A single participant reported nocturnal wheezing.
Conclusions:
This study provides insight into the descriptors and perception of asthma symptoms in African-Americans. Understanding the descriptors of symptoms and disease severity in African-American patients may lead to more accurate diagnosis, treatment, and reduced mortality within this high-risk population.
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