Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
04:24
Acupoint Application as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Fatigue Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: September 5, 2025
1.4K
Interstitial lung disease fatigue and breathlessness (ILD-FAB) programme: a multidisciplinary feasibility study
Jessica Mandizha1,2, Rebecca Davies3, Charlotte Crook3
1University of Exeter, Exeter, UK j.mandizha2@exeter.ac.uk.
BMJ Open Respiratory Research
|April 1, 2026
Summary
The Fatigue and Breathlessness (FAB) program, adapted for interstitial lung disease (ILD), shows promise in improving quality of life for patients. This ILD-FAB program is feasible, acceptable, and clinically effective for managing ILD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Quality of Life Studies
Background:
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD) significantly impacts quality of life due to prevalent symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness.
- The Fatigue and Breathlessness (FAB) program supports self-management in chronic conditions.
- Adapting the FAB program for ILD patients is explored to address their unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical effectiveness of an adapted FAB program for individuals with interstitial lung disease.
- To assess the program's impact on managing breathlessness, fatigue, and overall well-being in ILD patients.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week ILD-specific FAB program involving weekly group sessions led by an ILD physiotherapist and clinical nurse specialist (CNS).
- Individualized 1:1 sessions with the ILD-CNS focusing on goal setting and cognitive behavioral therapy principles.
- The Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire-Self Report (CRQ-SR) was used for pre- and post-program assessments of key symptoms and functioning.
Main Results:
- 49 participants with various ILDs (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, progressive pulmonary fibrosis) and diverse lung function severity were enrolled.
- High attendance rates (76% attended all 4 sessions) and strong program recommendation (100%) were observed.
- Clinically significant improvements were noted in dyspnoea (59%), emotional functioning (51%), fatigue (49%), and mastery (49%) among participants who completed the program.
Conclusions:
- The ILD-specific FAB program is feasible, acceptable, and clinically effective for improving patient-reported outcomes.
- The program demonstrates potential for enhancing self-management and quality of life in individuals with interstitial lung disease.
- Further research with larger cohorts and longitudinal outcome measures is warranted to solidify these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
3.4K
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
3.4K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
4.1K
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.
4.1K
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
1.1K
Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
1.1K
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
1.0K
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
1.0K
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
3.2K
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...
3.2K
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
3.3K
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation
3.3K