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The language of breathlessness differentiates between patients with COPD and age-matched adults

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dc.contributor.authorWilliams, M.T.
dc.contributor.authorCafarella, P.
dc.contributor.authorOlds, T.S.
dc.contributor.authorPetkov, J.
dc.contributor.authorFirth, P.
dc.date.issued2008
dc.description.abstract<h4>Background</h4>If descriptors of the sensation of breathlessness are able to differentiate between medical conditions, the language of breathlessness could potentially have a role in differential diagnosis. This study investigated whether the language used to describe the sensation of breathlessness accurately categorized older individuals with and without a prior diagnosis of COPD.<h4>Methods</h4>Using a parallel-group design, participants with and without a prior diagnosis of COPD volunteered words and phrases and endorsed up to three statements to describe their sensation of breathlessness. Cluster analysis (v-fold cross-validation) was applied, and subjects were clustered by their choice of words. Cluster membership was then compared to original group membership (COPD vs non-COPD), and predictive power was assessed.<h4>Results</h4>Groups were similar for age and gender (COPD, n = 94; 48 men; mean age, 70 +/- 10 years [+/- SD]; vs non-COPD, n = 55; 21 men; mean age, 69 +/- 13 years) but differed significantly in breathlessness-related impairment, intensity, and quality of life (p < 0.0001). Cluster membership corresponded accurately with original group classifications (volunteered, 85%; and up to three statements, 68% agreement). Classification based on a single best descriptor (volunteered [62%] or endorsed [55%]) was less accurate for group membership.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Language used to describe the sensation of breathlessness differentiated people with and without a prior diagnosis of COPD when descriptors were not limited to a single best word or statement.
dc.identifier.citationChest, 2008; 134(3):489-496
dc.identifier.doi10.1378/chest.07-2916
dc.identifier.issn0012-3692
dc.identifier.issn1931-3543
dc.identifier.orcidWilliams, M.T. [0000-0002-0473-5157]
dc.identifier.orcidCafarella, P. [0000-0002-0165-4909]
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1959.8/70313
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherAmerican College of Chest Physicians
dc.rightsCopyright status unknown
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1378/chest.07-2916
dc.subjectChronic obstructive
dc.subjectDyspenea
dc.subjectLanguage
dc.subjectPulmonary disease
dc.subjectRespiratory Muscles
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectPulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
dc.subjectDyspnea
dc.subjectCluster Analysis
dc.subjectCase-Control Studies
dc.subjectCommunication
dc.subjectPhysician-Patient Relations
dc.subjectInhalation
dc.subjectAged
dc.subjectAged, 80 and over
dc.subjectMiddle Aged
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectMale
dc.subjectTerminology as Topic
dc.titleThe language of breathlessness differentiates between patients with COPD and age-matched adults
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished
ror.mmsid9915911168401831

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