MRC Dyspnoea Scale

The mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council) Dyspnoea Scale is used to assess the degree of baseline functional disability due to dyspnoea.

The mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council) Dyspnoea Scale is used to assess the degree of baseline functional disability due to dyspnoea.

It is useful in characterising baseline dyspnoea in patients with respiratory disease such as COPD. Whilst it moderately correlates with other healthcare-associated morbidity, mortality and quality of life scales (particularly in COPD) the scores are only variably associated with patients' perceptions of respiratory symptom burden. It is used as a component of the BODE Index, which predicts adverse outcomes, including mortality and risk of hospitalisation. The scale is easy and efficient to use.

MRC Dyspnoea Scale
Description Grade
I only get breathless with strenuous exercise 0
I get short of breath when hurrying on level ground or walking up a slight hill 1
On level ground, I walk slower than people of my age because of breathlessness, or I have to stop for breath when walking at my own pace on the level 2
I stop for breath after walking about 100 yards or after a few minutes on level ground 3
I am too breathless to leave the house or I am breathless when dressing/undressing 4

The mMRC breathlessness scale ranges from grade 0 to 4. It is very similar to the original version and is now widely used in studies. It should be noted that the MRC clearly states on its website that it is unable to give permission for use of any modified version of the scale (including therefore, the mMRC scale). Use of the MRC questionnaire is free but should be acknowledged.

The modified MRC was developed by D A Mahler, see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3342669/

Diagnostic testing

Your essential guide to respiratory diagnostic testing from FeNO and spirometry to CRP Point of Care Testing.

Clinical resources

Step by step guides, expert opinion, the latest insights and case studies - our resources cover a range of respiratory topics and a vital resource for any practitioner working in the delivery of respiratory healthcare

PCRS Respiratory Conference

The UK's leading respiratory conference for clinicians working primary, community and integrated care comes to Telford in September.

You may also be interested in...

Asthma

PCRS provides primary, community and integrated care with a suite of excellent resources to support you to deliver best practice asthma care, in line with BTS/NICE/SIGN guidelines

Inhaler devices

Inhaler devices may seem simple to use but they are often used incorrectly by patients and healthcare professionals alike.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of death in the UK. It's a serious condition which calls for a patient centric approach.

Join PCRS Today

Become part of the UK's largest network of dedicated respiratory professionals working in primary, community and integrated care settings.