When dyspnoea occurs, patients with COPD will first choose to rest and reduce activity. However, as the disease progresses, the patient will experience dyspnoea at rest. This will cause the patient to become increasingly immobile, resulting in decreased ability to exercise, social isolation and lowered mood states (GOLD 2006). To reduce the frequency and severity of breathlessness, healthcare professionals should teach patients, as soon as possible, controlled breathing, self‑medication adjustment and interacting appropriately with healthcare providers (Gosselink 2003; Maher and Hemming 2005).