Dyspnea
Key Points/Overview

The goal of symptomatic management of dyspnea is to relieve the patient’s sense of the effort of breathing. This can be done by using both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods.

Teaching and supporting you and your family in the management of dyspnea is critically important, both to you, and to your healthcare provider. Everyone’s goal is for you to feel as comfortable as you possibly can. Both the degree of diagnostic testing and the choice of treatment must be guided by your goals and the extent of disease that is present. Be sure to talk over what your wishes are with your family, healthcare provider, and any other caregivers as you decide what type of testing or treatment you will undergo.