Mahler et al developed two indices for evaluating a patient with shortness of breath. The baseline dyspnea index is used to establish the baseline shortness of breath prior to any interventions. The authors are from Yale University and the New Haven VA Medical Center.
Parameters:
(1) functional impairment
(2) magnitude of task
(3) magnitude of effort
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|---|---|---|
|
functional impairment |
no impairment (no shortness of breath with usual activities and occupation) |
4 |
|
|
slight impairment (no activities completely abandoned but some reduction in 1 or more activities) |
3 |
|
|
moderate impairment (has changed work or given up one or more usual activities because of dyspnea) |
2 |
|
|
severe impairment (unable to work or has given up most usual activities due to dyspnea) |
1 |
|
|
very severe impairment (totally disabled because of the dyspnea) |
0 |
|
magnitude of task |
extraordinary (short of breath after maximal exertion; no dyspnea with ordinary tasks) |
4 |
|
|
major (short of breath with a major activity like climbing a steep hill, 3 flights of stairs or moderate load on a level surface) |
3 |
|
|
moderate (short of breath with average tasks (walking up a gradual hill, climbing 1-2 flights of stairs, or carrying a light load on a level surface) |
2 |
|
|
light (short of breath with light activities like walking on a level surface without a load, washing or standing) |
1 |
|
|
no task (short of breath at rest, while sitting, or lying down) |
0 |
|
magnitude of effort |
extraordinary (as for magnitude of task) |
4 |
|
|
major (shortness of breath with submaximal effort and complete tasks without pause unless extraordinary effort is required) |
3 |
|
|
moderate (shortness of breath with moderate effort; tasks require breaks and take longer to complete) |
2 |
|
|
light (short of breath with little effort; tasks take significantly longer to complete) |
1 |
|
|
no effort (as for magnitude of task) |
0 |
where:
• Provision was made for additional responses to each parameter (W if amount uncertain, X if unknown, or Y impaired from other reasons).
total dyspnea index =
= SUM(points for all 3 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 12
• A normal person has a score of 12.
• The lower the score the worse the dyspnea.
Purpose: To initially evaluate a patient with shortness of breath using the baseline dyspnea index of Mahler et al.
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Objective: severity, prognosis, stage, selection
ICD-10: J96.9, F45.3,
