title: [Management of refractory breathlessness in patients with advanced disease].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Breathlessness is a frequent and distressing symptom in advanced disease. It can have a significant impact on the quality of life of both patients and relatives.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A summary of nonpharmacological and pharmacological measures for breathlessness based on existing evidence is provided.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analysis of primary studies, reviews and guidelines for the named symptoms and their management were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recognition and assessment are essential for the management of breathlessness. Management includes various nonpharmacological and pharmacological measures, which should be combined for best results. Nonpharmacological strategies comprise general information, management plan, hand-held fan, physical activity, and rollators. Opioids are the drugs of choice for intractable breathlessness. The evidence base for benzodiazepines and other drugs is rather weak.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A number of treatment options, especially in the nonpharmacological area, help the patients to better cope with their breathlessness.
authors: Klinik und Poliklinik für Palliativmedizin, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland. claudia.bausewein@med.uni-muenchen.de.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Bausewein
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014853:Walkers
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D001569:Benzodiazepines
keywords: Benzodiazepines; Drug therapy, dyspnea; Opioids; Physical activity; Rollators