[Dyspnea in cancer patients].
'Dyspnea' is a subjective symptom defined as "an uncomfortable sensation of breathing". It should be distinguished from 'respiratory failure' defined as hypoxia. It is important to know that dyspnea is also related to psychological distress such as anxiety. The important points of management of dyspnea are described here; (1)Treat the underlying causes (e.g. antibiotics for pneumonia, blood transfusion for anemia), (2) pharmacological interventions such as morphine and anxiolytics, (3) non-pharmacological interventions such as oxygen, respiratory rehabilitation and relaxation. Since dyspnea in cancer patients has multidimensional aspects, interdisciplinary team approach for the symptom management is important.
Tanaka
Keiko
K
Division of Palliative Medicine, Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital.
D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*