title: Breathlessness in cancer patients.
abstract: Breathlessness (or dyspnoea) is a common symptom experienced by cancer patients. It may be iatrogenic and is often caused or aggravated by co-morbidity. Recent studies have elucidated the neural and chemical controls of breathing which may be involved in the production of dyspnoea. A rational approach involves making a diagnosis of aetiology and treating reversible causes wherever possible. The main approaches for palliation of dyspnoea include anti-cancer treatments; drugs; oxygen and airflow; non-medical approaches. Further research is needed to clarify the best pharmacological regimens and the place of more invasive interventions.
authors.affiliation: Palliative Medicine, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cachia
authors.forename: Sam Hjelmeland
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Ahmedzai
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002628:Chemoreceptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005665:Furosemide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D010346:Patient Care Management; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D019452:Terminally Ill
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005665:Furosemide; D010100:Oxygen