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Published on: February 20, 2017
Perceptions and pathophysiology of dyspnea and exercise intolerance
Miles Weinberger1, Mutasim Abu-Hasan
1Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonary Division, Pediatrics Department, University of Iowa Children's Hospital, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. miles-weinberger@uiowa.edu
Dyspnea, a complex sensation of breathlessness, involves neural pathways and receptors throughout the body. Cerebral cognition and anxiety significantly influence the perception of dyspnea, even without cardiopulmonary disease.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Psychosomatics
Background:
- Dyspnea is a complex psychophysiologic sensation.
- It requires intact afferent and efferent neural pathways.
- Neuromechanical dissociation between respiratory effort and work accomplished is key.
Observation:
- Receptors in the chest wall, respiratory muscles, lungs, carotid body, and brain stem trigger dyspnea.
- Anxiety scores correlate with dyspnea intensity.
- Dyspnea occurs in anxiety disorders without cardiopulmonary disease.
Findings:
- Cerebral cognition plays a crucial role in the complex symptom of dyspnea.
- Ten cases illustrate diverse clinical presentations of dyspnea.
- The interplay between physiological and psychological factors is highlighted.
Implications:
- Understanding the neurocognitive and psychological components of dyspnea is vital for accurate diagnosis and management.
- This research underscores the importance of considering mental health in respiratory symptom assessment.
- Further research into the cerebral mechanisms of dyspnea can lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
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