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Intensive Care Medicine
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine 1/2014

01-01-2014 | Review

Unrecognized suffering in the ICU: addressing dyspnea in mechanically ventilated patients

Authors: Matthieu Schmidt, Robert B. Banzett, Mathieu Raux, Capucine Morélot-Panzini, Laurence Dangers, Thomas Similowski, Alexandre Demoule

Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are exposed to many sources of discomfort. Although increasing attention is being given to the detection and treatment of pain, very little is given to the detection and treatment of dyspnea (defined as “breathing discomfort”).

Methods

Published information on the prevalence, mechanisms, and potential negative impacts of dyspnea in mechanically ventilated patients are reviewed. The most appropriate tools to detect and quantify dyspnea in ICU patients are also assessed.

Results/Conclusions

Growing evidence suggests that dyspnea is a frequent issue in mechanically ventilated ICU patients, is highly associated with anxiety and pain, and is improved in many patients by altering the ventilator settings.

Conclusions

Future studies are needed to better delineate the impact of dyspnea in the ICU and to define diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic protocols.
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Metadata
Title
Unrecognized suffering in the ICU: addressing dyspnea in mechanically ventilated patients
Authors
Matthieu Schmidt
Robert B. Banzett
Mathieu Raux
Capucine Morélot-Panzini
Laurence Dangers
Thomas Similowski
Alexandre Demoule
Publication date
01-01-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Intensive Care Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0342-4642
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1238
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-013-3117-3

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