Levels of dyspnea

Level of dyspnea	Number of points
None (or same as peers) even after 30 min of vigorous activity, such as running; ability to lift and carry 27 kg (60 lbs) for a prolonged period of time	0
After 5 flights of stairs or 10 min of vigorous activity/prolonged use of heavy tools	2
After walking more than a mile (1609 m) on level ground or up three flights of stairs; less than 10 min of vigorous activity, such as running or tennis	4
Upon walking 0.25 to 1 mile (402 to 1604 m) on level ground or up 2 flights of stairs; dyspnea with paper hanging	6
Upon walking 300 to 1,320 feet (91.4 to 402.3 m) on level ground; bed-making*	8
Upon walking 150 to 300 feet (45.7 to 91.4 m) on level ground or up 1 flight of stairs; scrubbing; truck driving; assembly-line work^¶	10
Upon walking 50 to 150 feet (15.2 to 45.7 m) on level ground at approximately 3 mph; light janitorial work^¶	12
Upon walking 20 to 50 feet (6.1 to 15.2 m) on level ground; light steady work at one's own pace; seated operation of heavy equipment^¶	14
With minor exertion, such as dressing, walking less than 20 feet (6.1 meters), or prolonged talking^¶	16
With minimal activity, such as eating, defecating, writing, sitting up^¶	18
At rest^¶	20

* Defined as moderately severe breathlessness.
¶ Defined as severe breathlessness.

Redrawn from: Watters, LC, King, TE, Schwarz, MI, et al, Am Rev Respir Dis 1986; 133:97.

Graphic 55810 Version 2.0