Abstract
Introduction: DYB has an incidence of about 10% and may pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.We have established a physiotherapist run clinic to mange this condition.
Aim: To evaluate the outcome of a physiotherapist run DYB clinic.
Method: The diagnosis of DYB was made on the basis of exclusion with a normal clinical examination,lung function and echocardiogram,or with symptoms disproportionate to measurements of severity of their respiratory illness.Patients were assessed by the physiotherapist with regard to their breathing pattern and the Nijmegen (Ni) score,with a score over 23 being regarded as diagnostic of DYB.Consecutive patients referred to the clinic over 24 months were reviewed.The following parameters were analysed-underlying respiratory illness,breathing pattern,Ni score (Pre and Post Intervention),HAD scores and the interventional modalities.
Results: 51 patients (males-20) were referred to the clinic in 24 months.The mean age was 60.2 (range, 20-84).26/51 patients had chronic cardio respiratory illness.28/51 patients had an abnormal breathing pattern.
37 patients had a pre intervention Ni score over 23 (mean-29, range, 23-42). Interventions included patient education, cognitive behaviour therapy, breathing exercises and training. Post intervention the Ni score fell below the diagnostic threshold in 29/37 patients (mean reduction-14, range, 3-22). HAD scores was used to assess the degree of mood impairment and there was no linear correlation with the pre intervention Ni score.
Conclusion: A clinically significant improvement in symptoms as measured by the Ni score was achieved in 78% of the patients referred to our DYB clinic. There was poor correlation between HAD score and the Ni score.
- © 2011 ERS