DYSPNEA
Shortness of breath, a subjective difficulty or distress in breathing, usually associated with disease of the heart or lungs; occurs normally during intense physical exertion or at high altitude.
Dyspnea, defined as a sensation of uncomfortable awareness of breathing, is one of the most frightening and distressing symptoms as well as one of the most common symptoms experienced by patients with cancer. It has many causes. Fast, safe and effective relief of the symptom is possible. Management of Dyspnea often includes treating both the symptom and the underlying cause.
Causes of Dyspnea
Dyspnea occurs for various reasons in a person with cancer. Cancer, cancer treatments and their side effects, and other medical conditions can all contribute to Dyspnea.
Sometimes, the tumor itself can block the trachea or bronchus or can keep the lung from expanding fully when you breathe. Fluid accumulation in the lung tissue (pleural effusion) or surrounding the heart (pericardial effusion) as well as surgery to remove all or part of a lung can also lead to shortness of breath.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may lead to anemia, a low red blood cell count, which can reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to the lungs and other tissues. In addition, people who experience weakness or debilitation may breathe less deeply Other symptoms such as anxiety and certain non-cancerous conditions such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, ascites, and renal insufficiency can also cause or worsen Dyspnea.
Shortness of breath, a subjective difficulty or distress in breathing, usually associated with disease of the heart or lungs; occurs normally during intense physical exertion or at high altitude.
Dyspnea, defined as a sensation of uncomfortable awareness of breathing, is one of the most frightening and distressing symptoms as well as one of the most common symptoms experienced by patients with cancer. It has many causes. Fast, safe and effective relief of the symptom is possible. Management of Dyspnea often includes treating both the symptom and the underlying cause.
Causes of Dyspnea
Dyspnea occurs for various reasons in a person with cancer. Cancer, cancer treatments and their side effects, and other medical conditions can all contribute to Dyspnea.
Sometimes, the tumor itself can block the trachea or bronchus or can keep the lung from expanding fully when you breathe. Fluid accumulation in the lung tissue (pleural effusion) or surrounding the heart (pericardial effusion) as well as surgery to remove all or part of a lung can also lead to shortness of breath.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may lead to anemia, a low red blood cell count, which can reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to the lungs and other tissues. In addition, people who experience weakness or debilitation may breathe less deeply Other symptoms such as anxiety and certain non-cancerous conditions such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, ascites, and renal insufficiency can also cause or worsen Dyspnea.
