Recent advances in the management of breathlessness

Indian J Palliat Care. 2011 Jan;17(Suppl):S29-32. doi: 10.4103/0973-1075.76238.

Abstract

Breathlessness is a frightening symptom to both witness and experience. It is common in many conditions, especially in the palliative setting, profoundly affecting the quality of the person's life. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the recent advances in the management of breathlessness in the areas of, knowledge of disease trajectories, assessment, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and the use of oxygen.

Keywords: Palliative care; Refractory breathlessness; Supportive care.