title: Hyperventilation symptoms are linked to a lower perceived health in asthma patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hyperventilation symptoms are among the sensations asthma patients tend to report during exacerbations of their disease. However, little is known about their importance for the patients' perceived well-being.
  
  
  METHODS
  We therefore studied the association of reported hyperventilation symptoms (Asthma Symptom Checklist) with perceived physical and mental health (36-item Short-form Health Survey) in a sample of primary care asthma patients (N = 190). We also studied the potential role of perceived control of asthma (Perceived Control of Asthma Questionnaire) in mediating any association between these variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In hierarchical multiple regression analyses controlling for demographics, asthma severity, and other asthma symptoms (obstruction, congestion, panic-fear, irritation, and fatigue), hyperventilation symptoms were significantly associated with both physical and mental health status. This association was partially mediated by perceived control of asthma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is possible that hypocapnia creates symptoms that asthma patients cannot control by using their antiasthmatic medication, thus compromising their perceived control over the management of their asthma, and consequently their perceived health. Behavioral interventions should address the problem of hyperventilation in asthma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USA. tritz@smu.edu
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ritz
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rosenfield
authors.forename: Alicia E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Meuret
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bobb
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steptoe
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006935:Hypercapnia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D006985:Hyperventilation / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012803:Sick Role