Breathlessness drains at least $12B from the Australian economy every year in direct health and productivity costs, and people living with the condition are more likely to be unemployed and have diminished quality of life, according to new research from The George Institute for Global Health published in the Medical Journal of Australia . The study of more than 10,000 Australian adults is the first to calculate accurately the compound societal burden of health care expenses and working days lost to breathlessness from any cause. For those with severe breathlessness, the report shows the impact on quality of life is on a par with lung cancer.
Shortness of breath ("dyspnea") that is not associated with strenuous exercise affects people diagnosed with multiple conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis ), lung cancer, silicosis, asthma and heart disease , as well as obesity, anxiety, and depression. Others may have no diagnosed disease. "While many studies have looked at the impact on quality of life and productivity of diseases known to cause breathlessness, like COPD or lung cancer , none that we are aware of have explored these economic and social costs in all populations, including people that have no other disease," said lead author Dr.
Anthony Sunjaya, a Research Fellow in the Respiratory Program at The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney. Researchers estimate the total population living.