Overview
Dyspnea is among the most common symptoms in patients with respiratory diseases such as Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Hypertension. However, the pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms of dyspnea in patients with respiratory diseases are still poorly understood. Diaphragm dysfunction might be highly prevalent in patients with dyspnea and respiratory diseases. The association of diaphragm function and potential prognostic significance in patients with respiratory diseases has not yet been investigated.
Description
The aim of the present project is to comprehensively measure respiratory muscle function and strength in patients with respiratory diseases. The investigators attempt to recruit 800 patients across four disease groups (Asthma, COPD, Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Hypertension) and the investigators intend to measure diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscle function and strength, lung function, and exercise tolerance, as well as the participants' symptom burden during one day at baseline in the investigators' lab. Thereafter, the investigators will follow up on patients by phone 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months after the investigators have seen them in the investigators' lab. Based on these results, not only the association between dyspnea exercise tolerance and diaphragm function in patients with respiratory diseases can be assessed, but also the prognostic significance of diaphragm dysfunction in these patients can be determined. As such, hospitalization and exacerbation requiring the intake of steroids will be assessed and followed up on by phone, and therefore the prognostic significance of diaphragm dysfunction in predicting hospitalization and the intake of steroids can be determined.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- patient has one of the following lung diseases: COPD, bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension
- is 18 years or older
- is mentally and physically able to understand the study and to follow instructions
- are legally competent
- signed declaration of consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- BMI > 35
- current or treatments or diseases in the past which could influence the evaluation of the study
- Expected lack of willingness to actively participate in study-related measures
- alcohol or drug abuse
- disc herniation/prolapse
- epilepsy
- wheelchair bound
- in custody due to an official or court order
- in a dependent relationship or employment relationship with investigating physician or one of their deputy
- emergency inpatient hospital stay within 4 weeks before study-specific examinations