Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
05:34
Author Spotlight: Utilizing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture of the Ear to Improve Sleep Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2023
2.7K
Underlying conditions contributing to breathlessness in the population
Jacob Sandberg1, Max Olsson, Magnus Ekström
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Respiratory Medicine & Allergology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care
|October 5, 2021
Summary
Breathlessness is common and often linked to respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. Identifying these underlying conditions is key for effective symptom management and improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Breathlessness is a common symptom requiring identification of underlying causes for effective management.
- Understanding prevalent conditions associated with breathlessness in the general population is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent (two-year) literature on common causes of breathlessness in the general population.
- To identify knowledge gaps in the research of breathlessness etiologies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of nine studies published within the last two years.
- Utilized the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale in most included studies.
Main Results:
- Respiratory diseases are the most frequent underlying conditions (40-57%), with asthma (approx. 25%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease being highly prevalent.
- Heart disease, anxiety, depression, and obesity are also common, often co-existing with respiratory conditions.
- Two studies specifically focused on systematically assessing underlying conditions in breathless individuals.
Conclusions:
- Breathlessness is frequently associated with multiple underlying conditions, predominantly respiratory diseases.
- Further research employing advanced methodologies like machine learning is needed to explore the complex interplay of these causes and their impact on outcomes.
- Accurate diagnosis and management of underlying conditions are fundamental for breathlessness symptom control.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
982
Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
982
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
1.5K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
1.5K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
3.1K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
3.1K
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
2.6K
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
2.6K
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
1.9K
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
1.9K
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
3.0K
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
3.0K