CHRONIC LUNG-DISEASE AND THE PERCEPTION OF BREATHLESSNESS - A CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE

Breathlessness is an extremely common symptom. Its genesis is incomple tely understood but is known to be largely determined by many of the m echanical factors associated with the act of breathing. As with all su bjective sensations various other factors including volition, behaviou ral style and other cortical and subcortical factors play a part in it s genesis. The relief of breathlessness is primarily directed at the u nderlying disorder. In those conditions and situations where specific therapy has little to offer or little impact it is reasonable to consi der ways of reducing the perception of breathlessness by pharmacologic al means. However, to date there is no convincing evidence that use of drugs in the pursuit of the relief of breathlessness has any specific effect in modifying the perception of this often distressing symptom. Any reduction in breathlessness achieved in this way can be adequatel y explained in terms of a reduction in ventilation and other indices o f respiratory mechanics.