Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
04:16
Whole Body Vibration Methods with Survivors of Polio
Published on: October 17, 2018
9.1K
Patients' experiences with fluctuations in persistent physical symptoms: a qualitative study
Hieke Barends1,2, Ella Walstock3,2, Femke Botman3,2
1Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC - VUMC location, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands h.barends@amsterdamumc.nl.
BMJ Open
|July 16, 2020
Summary
Patients with persistent physical symptoms (PPS) experience daily and weekly symptom fluctuations, often caused by overstepping limits or negative emotions. They develop strategies to manage these symptom exacerbations and regain control.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Qualitative Health Research
- Symptom Management
Background:
- Persistent Physical Symptoms (PPS) present complex challenges for patients.
- Understanding patient experiences with symptom fluctuations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore patient experiences with symptom fluctuations in Persistent Physical Symptoms (PPS).
- To identify factors influencing these fluctuations from the patients' perspective.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing semistructured interviews.
- Thematic content analysis of interview data.
- Part of a multicentre prospective cohort study on PPS.
Main Results:
- Identified three key themes: symptom fluctuation patterns, perceived causes of exacerbations, and patient control strategies.
- Daily and weekly symptom fluctuations significantly impacted daily routines and posed challenges.
- Symptom exacerbations were linked to exceeding physical limits and/or negative emotions.
Conclusions:
- Symptom fluctuations, especially daily/weekly exacerbations, are a significant aspect of the PPS experience.
- Patients attribute exacerbations to physical overexertion and emotional distress.
- Patients utilize various strategies to manage and control symptom exacerbations.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
367
Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
367
01:05Data Collection III
3.8K
The physical assessment examines the patient for objective data that defines the patient's condition, and aids in formulating the nursing care plan. The purpose of physical assessment is a health status appraisal, which includes identifying health problems, and establishing a database for nursing intervention.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the...
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the...
3.8K
01:17Classification of Illness
8.4K
The meaning of illness is individualized to each person who experiences an alteration in health. In contrast, disease is a medical term indicating a pathological change in the structure and function of the body or mind. It is a condition that has specific symptoms and boundaries.
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe...
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe...
8.4K
01:18Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
1.9K
The person's health status fluctuates continually, varying from being in good health to becoming ill and returning to being healthy. To understand the concept of illness prevention, there are two models. First, the health-illness continuum model is a graphic representation of an individual's wellness. It states that a person is considered healthy in the absence of physical disease and the presence of good emotional health.
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
1.9K
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
663
A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
663
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
233
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
233