Dyspnea

Dyspnea, also known as air hunger, is the feeling of shortness of breath. Many people experience dyspnea at different times in their life for various reasons. One well known cause is from chemotherapy used to treat cancer. Dyspnea from cancer treatment occurs when chemotherapy causes anemia.

Symptoms of dyspnea

There are many symptoms of dyspnea, some are worse than others. Tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing and being unable to breath when lying flat are some of the most obvious symptoms. Sudden onset of coughing spells or a chronic cough is another symptom. Sometimes the cough is accompanied with greenish-yellow or rusty-colored sputum. If the dypsnea is very bad, you may notice water weight or bloating. When water weight and bloating are experienced, it is because the heart is not working well. Fever, headache and chills may also accompany any of these symptoms.

Things you can do if you have dyspnea

If you suffer from dyspnea be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. If you smoke, you should quit. If you do not smoke, avoid second hand smoke as much as possible. It is very important to stay vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia, as these diseases are much more dangerous for someone with dyspnea. Using a vaporizer and hot showers will help open your lungs and loosen secretions. If you experience bloating or heart failure, decrease your salt intake. Light exercise will work wonders to open your lungs and increase your oxygen intake. If you try all of these things and still do not see improvement in symptoms, keep a diary. Keeping a written record of daily activity, diet, and severity of symptoms will help determine what worsens your symptoms.

Medications the doctor may prescribe

There are quite a few different things a doctor may prescribe for dyspnea from cancer treatment. Antibiotics may be prescribed if lung infection is suspected. If a blood clot is present the doctor will prescribe anticoagulants. Bronchodilators and cough medication are often used to ease coughing. Dyspnea may also cause anxiety, and if this is the case, anti-anxiety medication are often prescribed.

When you should call your health care provider

You should call your doctor immediately if you have fever of 100.5? F (38? C), chills, and sore throat. Coughing up blood, skin rashes, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, or swelling are also indications that you should be evaluated immediately. Any other symptoms that worsen and do not improve should also be looked at by a doctor as soon as possible.

You are strongly encouraged to speak to your doctor about dyspnea from cancer treatment. The information provided is meant to be education and helpful, but it does not take the place of a doctor.