Fear of COVID-19 related to dyspnoea in COPD patients

People with long-term respiratory conditions like COPD are particularly impacted by COVID-19-related concerns. Stress and COPD frequently go together, and stress can lead to worsening of COPD symptoms. The current study proved a relationship between fear of COVID-19, stress, and dyspnoea.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having psychological impacts on people globally, with increased levels of stress and anxiety being reported, especially in people with pre-existing medical conditions who appear to be extra vulnerable. Stress may cause serious health problems as it weakens the immune system, and is therefore a known COPD trigger. Accordingly, the aim of the presented study was to investigate the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress and the dyspnoea in patients with COPD.

In this prospective study, participants received an online survey by email. The survey included demographic and clinical questions. The modified Borg scale (mBORG) was used to assess dyspnoea, the Fear of COVID-19 scale to assess fear of COVID-19, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) to assess stress.

A total of 33 patients with COPD were included; mean age was 60.1 years and 36% were female. Mean PSS-10 and mBORG scores were 21.2 and 5.8, respectively. Strong positive correlations were found between the fear of COVID-19 and PSS-10 score (r=0.80; P<0.001) and mBORG score (r=0.70; P<0.001).

A significant relationship between fear of COVID-19 and stress and dyspnoea was found in COPD patients. Future studies should further investigate the negative consequences of stress in COPD patients with fear of COVID-19.

1. Aktan R, et al. The relationships between the fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress and dyspnea during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with COPD: Preliminary findings of a prospective study. Abstract 341. ERS 2021, 5–8 September.

 

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Posted on 9 November 2021