title: [Symptomatic relief in dyspnoea].
abstract: Breathlessness (or dyspnoea) is a common symptom in patients with cancer and other advanced progressive illnesses such as cardiac failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis. It is often distressing for both the patient and the carer. Management of breathlessness starts with a good history and examination. Various reversible causes and possible treatments are outlined. A multidisciplinary approach with non-pharmacological and drug-based approaches to symptomatic relief of breathlessness is generally necessary, the latter predominating as death approaches.
authors.affiliation: Arhus Sygehus, Arhus Universitetshospital, Det Palliative Team, Onkologisk Afdeling. bajen@as.aaa.dk
authors.forename: Bodil Abild
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Jespersen
authors.forename: Annemarie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salomonsen
authors.forename: Torben Riis
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
mesh_terms: D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D009020:Morphine