Experiences of Living with Dyspnea Among Taiwanese People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: Dyspnea is the primary complaint among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is a subjective physical experience responsible for considerable distress in patients. However, to date, research has tended to focus on measuring the severity of dyspnea, with few studies considering the subjective experiences among people living with COPD. The current study explored the experiences of living with dyspnea among patients with COPD. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, we examined 12 purposively sampled outpatients with COPD from the Pulmonary Medicine Department. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted to collect information. Data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing that three-step method was adopted to analyze the data. Results: Based on interview data analysis, 6 themes were devised regarding the dyspnea experiences of participants: (a) internal urgent situation signal resulting from a life-threatening incapability to respire; (b) triggering and straining; (c) constraints in life caused by insufficient inhalation; (d) immediate self-rescue strategies; (e) awareness of maintain health in daily life; and (f) coexistence with the disease and redefine self-concept. Conclusions: As COPD progresses, people living with COPD experienced discomfort and developed self-rescue strategies by identifying the risk factors for dyspnea as well as measures for symptom deterioration. Most participants experienced loss of activity or physical functions in their daily lives, prompting them to begin reposition themselves. To maintain the existing functions of the patients is the main goal for both medical staffs and patients. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for medical teams to devise self-management plans for patients with COPD.