CancerSymptoms.org

Dyspnea
Managing Dyspnea - What to do when it occurs

When you experience dyspnea, it is important to stay calm. Reduce your activity and increase rest. It may be helpful to open a window or run a fan. Let your caregiver know how you are feeling, so that they can communicate with your health care team.

It may not be possible to anticipate when dyspnea will occur, but for some persons, it has a predictable pattern, occurring when climbing stairs, during physical activity, when lying flat to name a few scenarios. If you notice a pattern, avoid these activities when possible and pace your activities to prevent the symptom from occurring.