Australia
Working with patients, their carers, and healthcare professionals in the community to improve the recognition and management of chronic breathlessness
Primary Breathe Australia is a 5-year research program led by clinicians and academics at Monash University.
Our program builds upon the foundation laid by our sister Primary Breathe research program at Cambridge University, UK, by developing tailored approaches to address the specific needs of Australians living with chronic breathlessness.
We are proudly supported by the Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund and the Windermere Foundation.
Chronic breathlessness: a common and debilitating symptom
Breathlessness or shortness of breath is a distressing symptom often experienced by people with chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung diseases, bronchiectasis and asthma.
When breathlessness is experienced for over 3 months, it is known as chronic breathlessness and can impact day-to-day activities.
Breathlessness is often considered a forgotten symptom; it is under-recognised by both clinicians and patients. However, chronic breathlessness is ranked the worst of all symptoms by people with chronic respiratory diseases.
1-in-10 Australians suffer from chronic breathlessness
Primary Breathe Australia: An Overview
Our research program aims to improve the recognition and management of chronic breathlessness in primary care.
Click below to learn more about our research program.
Meet our people
A/Prof Natasha Smallwood
Lead Chief Investigator
