Purpose of review: In patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is challenging to treat breathlessness. In addition, novel palliative interventions are required for multiple perspectives of breathlessness that may still be present after disease-specific therapies. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms and effects of l-menthol on breathlessness by covering the latest relevant papers.
Recent findings: A literature review identified one randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of l-menthol on relieving breathlessness in patients with COPD. It has been reported that the mechanism of relieving breathlessness partly involves stimulation of the trigeminal nerve by the cooling sensation of l-menthol, which gives a cognitive illusion of inspiratory flow perception. The effect of l-menthol on breathlessness caused by exertion has been reported in healthy subjects but not yet in patients with breathlessness.
Summary: The effect of l-menthol on the sensory-emotional dimensions of laboratory-induced breathlessness in patients with COPD has been described in a clinical trial. Further studies are warranted to investigate its application to inspiratory muscle training and its effects in combination with exercise training.
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