Abstract
Background: Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is a prevalent but under-recognized cause of exertional dyspnoea. Individuals with DB often report that stair climbing precipitates significant dyspnoea. This study evaluated the cardiorespiratory response to a stair climb challenge, in patients with DB when compared with a matched control group.
Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 11 DB patients and 13 matched controls completed two dyspnoea-related questionnaires (Dyspnoea-12 and Nijmegen), spirometry and a stair-climb challenge (4 flights) with portable CPET equipment in situ. Dyspnoea on the BORG scale was measured. Data were compared using Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: Patients with DB (n=11: 5 men, mean age 65 and BMI 28.7) exhibited higher dyspnoea scores (both p < 0.00) and a higher breathing frequency (BF) at rest (p = 0.01). Patients had a higher minute ventilation (V̇E) (p < 0.005) and BF (p < 0.01) at peak despite matched tidal volume (V̇t) and heart rate (HR) (Table).
Conclusion: Patients with DB demonstrate an exaggerated ventilatory response to stair climbing, despite a matched cardiac response. These finding aligns with patient’s self-report and provides insight regarding the control of ventilation to real-life activity in DB. Further work is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 933.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020
