Prevalence of breathlessness and associated consulting behaviour: results of an online survey
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The online British Lung Foundation Breath Test provides an opportunity to study the relationship between breathlessness, common sociobehavioural risk factors and interaction with healthcare. We analysed data from 356 799 responders: 71% were ≥50 years old and 18% were smokers. 20% reported limiting breathlessness (Medical Research Council breathlessness score ≥3), and the majority of these (85%) worried about their breathing; of these, 29% had not sought medical advice. Of those who had, 58% reported that the advice received had not helped their breathlessness. Limiting breathlessness was associated with being older, physically inactive, smoking and a higher body mass index. These data suggest a considerable unmet need associated with breathlessness as well as possibilities for intervention.
Date Issued
2019-07-15
Date Acceptance
2019-03-11
Citation
Thorax, 2019, 74 (8), pp.814-817
ISSN
1468-3296
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Start Page
814
End Page
817
Journal / Book Title
Thorax
Volume
74
Issue
8
Copyright Statement
© 2019 Author(s) (or their employer(s)). No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. This article has been accepted for publication in Thorax following peer review. The definitive copyedited, typeset version Elbehairy AF, Quint JK, Rogers J, et alPatterns of breathlessness and associated consulting behaviour: results of an online surveyThorax 2019;74:814-817 is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212950
Identifier
https://thorax.bmj.com/content/74/8/814
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Respiratory System
OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE
OLDER-PEOPLE
DYSPNEA
PREVALENCE
breathlessness
health care service
health seeking behaviour
unmet need
Respiratory System
1103 Clinical Sciences
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2019-04-08