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ZuWallack - Figure 24

Summary

Fig. 24:  In summary, dyspnea is usually the overriding symptom in advanced COPD, and as physicians, this is a symptom that we must treat.  The sensation of dyspnea is not one particular sensation, it has potentially multiple qualitative distinctions.  But as discussed at the beginning of this presentation, dyspnea can be fairly objectively quantified, and often the dyspnea assessment in every day life is tied to activity.  As a potential causal factor hyperinflation, which is common in COPD, is an important factor in causing dyspnea, and regarding treatment, bronchodilators, exercise training, and supplemental oxygen have been shown to alleviate dyspnea in part, although not entirely, through directly or indirectly reducing lung volumes. 

ZuWallack R. Chest 2016; 00.

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