Perception of Dyspnoea

How do we perceive Dyspnoea

       Sensory afferent signals are transmitted to the brain. Simultaneously, the brain generates predictions about the sensations the body should be feeling. When comparison between predictions and sensory information shows a mismatch , a neuro - cortical feedback loop is involved and  dyspnoea is perceiced .

In short, Dyspnoea occurs when there is a mismatch between afferent and efferent signals ,whrn the need for ventilation is not being met by physical breathing.

Which part of the brain are involved in perception of dyspnoea

1. Anterior insula, posterior insula, mid insula,among which the right anterior insular cortex seems to be the most consistent structure across studies.
2. Higher brain structures including the anterior cingulate cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex
3. Brain stem nuclei and midbrain structures, such as the periaqueductal gray matter

REF: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine