Article

The present aim was to explore and describe experience of decreased lung
function among people with cervical spinal-cord injury (CSCI). METHOD:
Thirty-three people with CSCI with a lesion between levels C4 and C8 entered the
study. Qualitative content analysis was used. A semi-structured interview guide
was constructed with the main focus on experience of symptoms related to
decreased lung function. RESULTS: The experience related to decreased lung
function was limitations in breathing function, the ability to cough and voice
function. Individual self-management strategies were described in relation to
these limitations. The overarching theme throughout the interviews was that
although the limitations were in most cases significant compared to the situation
before injury, they were not necessarily experienced or referred to as a problem.
CONCLUSIONS: Breathing function, the ability to cough and voice function were
perceived as limited in most of the present participants with CSCI compared to
before the injury. Most had adapted to the situation and had developed their own
strategies for handling the limitations. However, these limitations did not only
become normal for the individuals because of compensatory strategies, these
limitations were usually experienced as a problem not to speak of.

Langue : ANGLAIS