PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Laura Blazey
AU  - Pooja Seta
AU  - Kenneth Macleod
AU  - Kirstin Unger
TI  - Characterisation of a paediatric population referred for a dysfunctional breathing assessment
AID  - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2021.PA3917
DP  - 2021 Sep 05
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - PA3917
VI  - 58
IP  - suppl 65
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/58/suppl_65/PA3917.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/58/suppl_65/PA3917.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2021 Sep 05; 58
AB  - Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is recognised as a modifiable factor in asthma management, and a differential diagnosis for exercise induced breathlessness (EIB). Recognition of DB can prevent excessive use of drug therapy. Further characterisation of this population seeks to assist clinicians in guiding referral for breathing retraining.Consecutive referrals to a dysfunctional breathing physiotherapy clinic were audited between 06/18 and 05/20. Patients with incomplete data sets were omitted. 77 referrals were included (7-17y (median 12y)). 24 (31%) had a confirmed asthma diagnosis, and asthma had been investigated and excluded in 38 (49%). Of that 38, 18 had continued their asthma medication. 17 (22%) had attended A&E with shortness of breath and 19 (25%) referrals mentioned induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO). 59 CYP (77%) presented with exercise induced symptoms, only 14/59 (25%) with breathlessness alone and 38/59 (49%) with breathlessness plus other symptoms including chest tightness, and chest pain. 18/77 referrals did not report exercise induced symptoms and of these 8 presented with anxiety and 5 with suspected habit cough. 28 (36%) of referrals mentioned anxiety. 23 (30%) participated in competitive sport or regular training reporting reduced performance and participation.Onset of breathing difficulty appears to occur in early or pre-adolescence. This may be accounted for by the pubertal growth spurt or changes in exercise habits or symptom awareness.Breathing retraining for DB has an important role in restoring participation in physical activity at a pivotal age. Breathing patterns should be considered as part of a asthma assessment.FootnotesCite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA3917.This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.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).