Henderson (1998) suggests that breathlessness in the UK today is a set of common and complex subjective symptoms. A wide range of medical and lifestyle choices cause and exacerbate dyspnea, which can be a frightening and sometimes painful experience for the patient. A nurse's interaction with a patient can help alleviate and reduce these episodes and make a substantial difference to patients in both community and hospital settings. For many people, running out of breath after normal exertion is nothing to worry about, as commented by Madge and Esmond (2001) and is the expected physiological response to increased activity. However, for those who become winded after minimal exercise or simple daily activities such as walking, going up and down stairs, or shopping, this can have a significant impact on the quality of life of both the person and their family. This assignment will identify some of the impacts, interventions and outcomes in relation to patient quality of life measured against Roper, Logan and Tierney's life activities. While examining the impact that dyspnea can have on the patient, the author will look at the physical, psychological and social health implications and how this can affect the total (holistic) quality of life of these patients. Often these three areas overlap and the physical implications of dyspnea can have a direct effect on the patient's social health, financial ability to provide for themselves and others, which in turn affects the person's physiological well-being or vice versa. The author will also discuss the nursing care required in each area (physical, psychological and social health) and some of the evidence that has supported this in relation...... middle of the paper ......ease: developing a conscious management of the body in an increasingly restricted context of the world of life. The Journal of Advanced Nursing (JAN) 64 (6) p 605-614.HENDERSON, Y (1998) A practical approach to breathing control in primary care. Nursing Standard (JULY) 22 (44) p41MADGE, S and ESMOND, G (2001) Respiratory Nursing. Edinburgh: Harcourt Publishers Limited. London: Taylor & Francis.MARGERESON, C (2009) Developing holistic care for long-term conditions.ROPER, R and LOGAN, W and TIERNEY, A (2003) The Roper Logan Tierney nursing model. London: Elsevier.ROBERTS, S and POWELL, V (1998) Cardiorespiratory nursing. Cheltenham: Stanley Thornes.WEST, N and POPKESS-VAWTER, S (1994) The subjective and psychosocial nature of dyspnoea. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 20 p622.YORK, J and RUSSELL AM, (2008) Interpreting the language of dyspnoea. [WWW] nursingtimes.net [14/12/10].