title: Respiratory muscles and dyspnea.
abstract: This article reviews the classical basis on which dyspnea is identified and quantified. The sensation or sensations of discomfort experienced during breathing are then viewed using a background of sensory physiology. Exploiting psychophysical techniques, the origin of the sensation of discomfort is viewed within the constraints of the presently-known sensory structures. The contribution of these sensory structures to the quality and quantity of discomfort is suggested, indicating the central role played by the respiratory muscles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Killian
authors.forename: N L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012119:Respiration; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*