Evaluating shortness of breath in patients with Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated dyspnea (DYS; shortness of breath) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that DYS is associated with anxiety and impaired control of respiration in these patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects brain cells. The activities controlled by these cells are lost leaving patients with symptoms such as tremors and DYS. DYS is reported between 11.5% and 40% of these patients. DYS is disabling and stressful for the elderly and for patients with PD.

Prior studies suggested that DYS is a symptom of PD. However, other studies report DYS as a symptom of anxiety in patients with PD. Understanding the clinical aspects of DYS is needed in order to improve clinical assessment and treatment of DYS in these patients.

This study included 163 patients with PD. Off these, 60 had DYS for an average of 4.6 years into the disease. Patients were asked if they had shortness of breath in the last month. In case of positive answer, DYS characteristics were assessed through a questionnaire.

The most frequent sensory symptoms were hyperpnoea (35%; increased depth and rate of breathing), physical breathing effort (25%), and air hunger (20%). Anxiety was the most common emotional symptom leading to DYS. 

This study concluded that DYS is common in patients with PD and is associated with two main symptoms, anxiety and impaired breathing control.

This study was based solely on patient-reported symptoms. The authors did not perform lung function tests. This may limit the findings of this study. Further research is needed.