The MacMillan Dictionary lists 10 different words to describe breathing or difficulty breathing (https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/to-breathe-or-to-have-difficulty-breathing) . The simple function of taking air in through your nose or mouth and then letting it go again is often not an easy thing to describe or relate for a patient.
People often have difficulty identifying if they have the breathlessness described and seen by their GP or case nurse. Their wording and explanations may not align with my use of the word breathlessness and may be more meaningful to them if explained with the words gaspy, or puffy…
The language we use in terms of words is one thing but then to be able to describe such fleeting changes that we experience with breathlessness in our activities can also be equally challenging. The only way forward is to use standardised activity to assess and then repeat to capture the initial ability and then review for change post treatment.
The patient learns to notice and become more aware of their breathing state, how to express it and how to rate it. In order to seek effective and timely treatment this becomes an invaluable addition to their chronic disease management toolkit.