Factors Associated with Dysfunctional Breathing in Patients with Difficult to Treat Asthma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Understanding of dysfunctional breathing in patients with difficult asthma who remain symptomatic despite maximal inhaler therapy is limited. OBJECTIVE: We characterized the pattern of dysfunctional breathing in patients with difficult asthma and identified possible contributory factors. METHODS: Dysfunctional breathing was identified in patients with difficult asthma using the Nijmegen Questionnaire (score >23). Demographic characteristics, asthma variables, and comorbidities were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for dysfunctional breathing, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and airflow obstruction. RESULTS: Of 157 patients with difficult asthma, 73..