A Note

• We have developed a useful laboratory model of air hunger  (uncomfortable urge to breathe, starved for air, one of several  sensations categorized as dyspnea). We have defined the static and  dynamic stimulus-response characteristics of the air hunger response. (Banzett et al 1996, Banzett 1996) 
• We were the first to show that air hunger is unchanged by complete  paralysis of respiratory muscles, disproving the widely held view that  all dyspnea arose from respiratory muscles. (Banzett et al 1989, Banzett et al 1990)
• It has been known for a century that air hunger is relieved by  breathing, even when changes in blood gasses are prevented. We were the  first to show this relief comes from pulmonary mechanoreceptors. (Manning et al 1992) and that this relief is the same whether the subject breathes or is mechanically ventilated. (Shea et al 1996, Bloch-Salisbury et al 1998)
• We were the first to show that air hunger adapts to prolonged changes in PCO2 over the course of 2-3 days. (Bloch-Salisbury et al 1996)

  Using different stimuli and pharmacologic interventions, we provided evidence that different sensory pathways give rise to 1) the uncomfortable sensation of Air Hunger 2) the sensation of uncomfortable Work & Effort of breathing, and 3) the uncomfortable sensation of Tightness experienced by asthmatics.  Lansing et al 2000, Moosavi et al 2000 , Binks et al 2002, Banzett et al 2008

  We, together with our sister lab in London, published the first report showing which areas of the cerebral cortex are engaged in the perception of dyspnea (air hunger) using Positron Emission Tomography. We also published the first BOLD fMRI images of dyspnea.  Important activations were found in anterior insula, amygdala, cerebellum, and anterior cingulate.  The limbic and paralimbic areas activated show commonality with pain, thirst, and hunger.  (Banzett et al 2000, Evans et al 2002, Binks, Evans et al 2014 )