Management of Dyspnea Guidelines for Practice for Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Dyspnea is an important symptom to address in occupational therapy since it significantly contributes to decreased functional status and health-related quality of life in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This article presents the Management of Dyspnea Guidelines for Practice. The guidelines direct the clinician to help adult patients with COPD overcome the disabling effects of dyspnea by helping patients to master combining controlled breathing with activity exertion and by desensitizing them to dyspnea. An example of an occupational therapy treatment program based on the practice guidelines is described. A case study example is also provided to illustrate how the guidelines can be applied to occupational therapy practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• dyspnea
• dyspnea-related anxiety
• functional status
• desensitization
• occupational therapy