Behavioral interventions for lung cancer-related breathlessness.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report is to present behavioral interventions to assist persons with lung cancer in the management of feelings of breathlessness and, thus, also to enhance their quality of life.


BACKGROUND
Breathlessness is a serious symptom that adversely affects the quality of life of persons with lung cancer. A review of the literature points to the value of exercises in assisting patients to breathe more effectively and to manage related anxiety. However, the professional literature frequently does not describe these basic interventions in enough detail to enable oncology professionals to learn them. Instructional materials, found in the popular wellness and self-help literature, are included in this article to more easily facilitate acquisition of these skills. Interventions described include exercises that enhance the use of the diaphragm when breathing and those that help to alter the breathing rhythm and to exhale more effectively.


CONCLUSIONS
All oncology professionals should be aware of the importance of breathlessness as a problem that diminishes the quality of life for patients with lung cancer. Addressing breathlessness through the use of psychosocially oriented behavioral interventions can act as an adjunct to the medical management of this debilitating symptom.
Gallo-Silver
L
L
New York University Hospitals Center, Bridges to Wellness Integrative Medicine Program, 400 East 34th Street, Suite R229, New York, New York 10016, USA.
Pollack
B
B
D001945:Breathing Exercises; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D013664:Teaching Materials