A scoping review of definitions, signs, symptoms, and measures of non-pathological breathing abnormalities

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION AND AIM What are the types of NPBAs and how are they defined, diagnosed and measured? There were six types of NPBAs identified: dysfunctional breathing, hyperventilation syndrome, vocal cord disorder, exercise induced bronchoconstriction, sighing dyspnoea and habit cough.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Non-pathological breathing abnormalities are of varied interest to multiple health disciplines. Dysfunctional breathing is but one related phenomenon that has emerged from research published by these disciplines. Although methods of diagnosing and treating dysfunctional breathing have been in effect, there has been no consensus of its definition. The same can be said of other breathing abnormalities which are non-pathological.

OBJECTIVES 1. To identify the types of available indexed evidence in the field of non-pathological breathing abnormalities 2. To clarify what non-pathological breathing abnormalities are as a key concept (i.e. record available definitions in the literature and synthesise how frequent these definitions are used) 3. To identify key characteristics or factors related to non-pathological breathing abnormalities (i.e. record both suggested signs, symptoms and measures in the literature and synthesise their frequency) 4. To identify and analyse gaps related to terminology, classification, diagnostics, epidemiology, aetiology, treatment and management in the knowledge base

METHOD A scoping review was undertaken. A novel framework was created to achieve the objectives of this research. Search involved ten online databases with no date or geographical restrictions.

RESULTS Eighty-four articles (63 peer reviewed; 21 grey literature) were selected for inclusion. Six non-pathological breathing abnormalities were discovered: dysfunctional breathing, hyperventilation syndrome, vocal cord disorder, exercise induced bronchoconstriction, sighing dyspnoea and habit cough. There were some close associations related to each abnormality discovered too. Multiple definitions, signs and symptoms, and measures relevant to each non-pathological breathing abnormality were recorded and synthesised. A visual map shows the types of literature published and the deficits that exist.

CONCLUSION Either more research is required to better classify each non-pathological abnormality, or implementation of the Delphi technique to better define dysfunctional breathing and hyperventilation syndrome. Future research could build upon this existing scoping review framework to carry out a systematic review.