From the author:
Although most of the medical literature is written by professional investigators, we can learn a great deal from the wisdom of expert clinicians. Such is the case with F. Kummer's correspondence. This is not to say that F. Kummer is not a professional investigator; PubMed lists at least 92 of his publications going back to 1965. But today he writes of his clinical experience in teaching patients with COPD how to cope with panic attacks. These occur with emotional stress. Wisely, he discourages the use of bronchodilators while telling his patients to regain control of their breathing and to breathe slowly and deeply. When they do this the work of breathing decreases, breathing becomes easier and panic is relieved. We should hear more from expert clinicians like F. Kummer. It is important for them to share their wisdom with us.
Footnotes
Statement of Interest
A statement of interest for P.T. Macklem can be found at www.erj.ersjournals.com/misc/statements.dtl
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