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Clinical Research on Dyspnea
Author Bios
What is Dyspnea?
What Provokes Dyspnea?
The Nature of Dyspnea
Language of Dyspnea
Clinical Application
Research Application
Variability in Sensations
Challenges in Study
Mechanical Loads and Sense of Effort
Chemoreceptors
Currently selected section: Mechanoreceptors
Currently selected section: Neuro-Mechanical Dissociation
Phase of Respiration and Dyspnea
Physiology of Dyspnea
Respiratory System
Cardiovascular System
Measuring Dyspnea
Scaling Issues
Qualitative Aspects
Reliability and Validity Overview
Reliability and Validity
Sensitivity and Specificity
Scales
Sensation vs. Perception vs. Symptom
Treating Dyspnea
Why Measure?
Cluster Analysis
Statistical vs. Clinical Significance
Standard Error of Measurement
Measuring Fatigue
Measuring Depression
Measuring Anxiety and Hyperventilation
Measuring Quality of Life
Conclusion

 

Chapter 23: Dyspnea: Neuro-Mechanical Dissociation
        

The brain sends electrical impulses to the ventilatory muscles resulting in the initiation of muscular contraction and the generation of tension in the muscle fibers. The muscle contraction results in the displacement of the chest wall, generation of negative intrathoracic pressure, and the initiation of inspiratory flow.

Question 12.1

If the inspiratory muscles contract less than usual for the tension generated because of a stiff chest wall, or if the flow monitored in the upper airway is less than expected for a given inspiratory effort, or if the information arising from stretch receptors in the lung indicates that the volume of inspiration is less than usual for the degree of activation of the muscles, will the intensity of respiratory discomfort be:

Selection A Intensified
Selection B Reduced


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