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Semin Speech Lang 2011; 32(1): 005-020
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1271971
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Nature and Evaluation of Dyspnea in Speaking and Swallowing

Jeannette D. Hoit1 , Robert W. Lansing2 , Kristen Dean3 , Molly Yarkosky4 , Amy Lederle5
  • 1Departments of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
  • 2Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
  • 3Department of University of California San Diego Medical Center, Tri-City Medical Center, San Diego, California
  • 4Department of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson
  • 5Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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Publication History

Publication Date:
13 April 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Dyspnea (breathing discomfort) is a serious and pervasive problem that can have a profound impact on quality of life. It can manifest in different qualities (air hunger, physical exertion, chest/lung tightness, and mental concentration, among others) and intensities (barely noticeable to intolerable) and can influence a person's emotional state (causing anxiety, fear, and frustration, among others). Dyspnea can make it difficult to perform daily activities, including speaking and swallowing. In fact, dyspnea can cause people to change the way they speak and swallow in their attempts to relieve their breathing discomfort; in extreme cases, it can even cause people to avoid speaking and eating/drinking. This article provides an overview of dyspnea in general, describes the effects of dyspnea on speaking and swallowing, includes data from two survey studies of speaking-related dyspnea and swallowing-related dyspnea, and outlines suggested protocols for evaluating dyspnea during speaking and swallowing.

KEYWORDS

Breathing discomfort - air hunger - exertional dyspnea - respiratory disease

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Jeannette D HoitPh.D. CCC-SLP 

Professor, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona

P.O. Box 210071, Tucson, Arizona 85721

Email: hoit@email.arizona.edu