The influence of respiratory sounds on breathlessness in children with asthma: A symptom-perception approach

Author(s): Kolk, A. M., Prins, P. J. M., Colland, V. T.

Journal/Book: Health Psychol. 1997; 16: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 547-553.

Abstract: The discordance between the objective and subjective symptoms of asthma has major effects on proper medication and management. In 2 studies the influence of respiratory sounds in the process of symptom perception underlying breathlessness was investigated in children aged 7-17 years. In Experiment 1, asthmatic wheezing sounds were recorded in 16 children during histamine-induced airway obstruction. Breathlessness correlated significantly with rank order of amount of wheezing, but not with lung function. In Experiment 2, after standardized physical exercise, 45 asthmatic and 45 nonasthmatic children were randomly assigned to (a) false feedback of wheezing, (b) quiet respiratory sounds, or (c) no sound. Asthmatic children reported significantly more breathlessness in the Ist versus the 3rd condition. Tn conclusion many asthmatic children were easily influenced by wheezing in their estimation of asthma severity, reflected in breathlessness.

Note: Article Rietveld S, Univ Amsterdam, Dept Clin Psychol, Roetersstr 15, Room 820, NL-1018 Wb Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): airway obstruction; asthma; breathlessness; children; lung function; wheezing; OBSTRUCTION; DYSPNEA

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