Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
06:26
Author Spotlight: Exploring Breathing Techniques and Digital Solutions for Enhancing Running Performance
Published on: September 27, 2024
446
Understanding Breathlessness Burden and Psychophysiological Correlates in Asthma.
Hayley Lewthwaite1, Peter G Gibson2, Paola D Urroz Guerrero1
1Centre for Research Excellence in Treatable Traits, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Asthma and Breathing Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
Summary
Over half of severe asthma patients experience physically limiting breathlessness. Targeting psychophysiological factors like BMI and hyperventilation may offer relief for this common, distressing asthma symptom.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Health
- Asthma Research
Background:
- Breathlessness is a complex, often under-recognized symptom in asthma.
- Its burden is significant, impacting quality of life for many asthma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of breathlessness in severe asthma versus mild-to-moderate asthma.
- To identify psychophysiological factors associated with breathlessness in asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 144 participants with mild-to-severe asthma.
- Multidimensional assessment including modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea score and Dyspnoea-12.
- Multivariate logistic regression used to identify predictors of breathlessness.
Main Results:
- 53% of severe asthma patients reported physically limiting breathlessness (mMRC ≥2) compared to 31% with mild-to-moderate asthma.
- Higher Dyspnoea-12 scores were observed in the severe asthma group.
- Significant predictors of breathlessness included BMI, asthma control, exercise capacity, and hyperventilation symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Physically limiting breathlessness affects over half of severe asthma patients, even with treatment.
- Addressing psychophysiological factors is a potential strategy for managing breathlessness in asthma.
- Relieving breathlessness is a high priority for individuals with asthma.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
2.5K
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
2.5K
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
2.6K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
2.6K
01:25Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
1.0K
Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...
1.0K
01:26Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
987
Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...
987
01:27Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
272
Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
272
01:23Assessment of Respiration
1.1K
The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
1.1K