Objectives: To analyze the factors at the origin of fatigue in respiratory disorders. To assess fatigue and its functional impact on patients affected from respiratory diseases. To evaluate the results of comprehensive care on fatigue and functional capacity.
Materials and methods: We systematically reviewed the literature in Medline and the Cochrane Library, using the following keywords: fatigue, respiratory disorders, questionnaire, evaluation, assessment, randomized controlled trial, meta-analysis.
Results: Fatigue is a high frequency symptom (90%) and takes an important place, as much as dyspnea, in the genesis of the respiratory induced handicap. Its assessment is varied, according to the studies. It originates from multiple causes, as shown from clinical and experimental studies. The main treatment consists in rehabilitation, using physical exercises. Its efficacy is demonstrated on physical endurance, but is not clear in terms of general fatigue.
Conclusion: Although fatigue is very frequent complaint, along with a major disabling condition, the comprehensive assessment of fatigue, in respiratory disorders, including its physical and cognitive components, is not still really codified. Rehabilitation is the main treatment. Its efficiency has been demonstrated on the physical and functional components of fatigue. Its results on perceived fatigue remains to be evaluated.