Paul Brice - 27 Sept

Before following any of the advice contained in this book, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor if you are in doubt as to the suitability of the exercises.

If, like many people who suffer from COPD, you are very inactive, read the section on Monitoring any pain in the Introduction (page ). This specifically advises you on what you should be able to do and what you should avoid.

Presumably the reason you are reading this book is because you or a loved one is experiencing problems with breathing. Getting out of breath is not always pleasant; however, it is normal. It is a natural response when your body needs more oxygen and energy when you do something that requires physical effort. Getting out of breath when we exert ourselves is a positive reaction and is usually viewed as a normal response to increased activity.

However, some people get out of breath every day when theyre not physically exerting themselves. They unexpectedly find it difficult or uncomfortable to breathe, and may feel they cant control their breathing. This long-term breathlessness is known as chronic breathlessness. It often develops gradually and lasts for weeks, months or years. Sometimes people also cough, bring up phlegm or feel wheezy (British Lung Foundation 2018).

Breathlessness is not only a physical symptom. It can also affect how we feel about things. An episode of breathlessness which has made us feel frightened or anxious will affect how we cope with the same situation when we next encounter it. This can lead to avoiding certain situations and allowing the fear of breathlessness to stop us living our lives as completely as we would wish.

Over the past 30 years working with people with breathing problems, I have been exposed to many methods of trying to counteract the symptoms of lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive lung (or pulmonary) disease (COPD). General practitioners and specialists can refer suitable people with breathing problems to local services providing pulmonary rehabilitation programmes.

Over the past 15 years I have managed the local pulmonary rehabilitation service and have firsthand experience of how these programmes can enhance the lives of people with lung diseases. These invaluable programmes are particularly beneficial for people with COPD. Anyone with this condition should ask for a referral as they can dramatically improve how they cope with their breathlessness.

The Brice Method has developed from Paul Brice working with colleagues in the NHS over many years. Paul is an inspirational leader in the area of breathlessness management. His insight into the individuals fears regarding their challenging breathing is instinctive and within one session he can reduce fear and reinstate hope in the lives of people who have been severely affected both physically and mentally by their breathlessness.

I have worked closely with Paul over the past nine years and have always been impressed by his results. I have confidence in his abilities to look at innovative ways of helping individuals cope better with a condition which cannot be cured. Just because a condition cannot be cured does not mean that it cannot be helped.

I would encourage anyone with lung disease to read this book and to lend it to their Respiratory Health Care Professional to inspire others to adopt the safe and effective Brice Method for helping to manage breathlessness.

Heather Matthews RN RM BSC ( HON ) MSC

Independent Respiratory Nurse Specialist
UK