Using Tape Recordings To Overcome Panic during Dyspnea

Abstract

Well-motivated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can use tape recordings made by rehabilitation instructors to help themselves overcome panic during dyspneic episodes outside the hospital. Tapes made on the basis of knowledge of the individual problems and individual solutions to shortness of breath help these patients regain effective breathing patterns, or calm them enough so they can take medication or call for medical aid. Besides being used during the panic of dyspnea, the tapes can be listened to at other times for reinforcement of rehabilitation instructions about breathing patterns and other aids to these patients.