Recent Advances in the Management of Breathlessness
2011

Recent Advances in Managing Breathlessness

Sample size: 5862 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Katrina Breaden

Primary Institution: Flinders University

Hypothesis

The article aims to provide an overview of recent advances in the management of breathlessness.

Conclusion

Breathlessness is a common symptom in palliative care that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management.

Supporting Evidence

  • Breathlessness affects 21% to 90% of cancer patients depending on severity.
  • Patients with COPD experience a slow decline in breathlessness severity over time.
  • Pharmacological treatments like opioids are considered the gold standard for managing breathlessness.

Takeaway

Breathlessness is a scary feeling that many people with serious illnesses experience, and there are new ways to help manage it.

Methodology

The article reviews recent advances in pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for managing breathlessness.

Limitations

Further research is needed to establish the best treatment methods for refractory breathlessness.

Participant Demographics

The study includes patients with cancer and non-cancer diagnoses, particularly those with COPD.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.4103/0973-1075.76238

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