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Management of Refractory Breathlessness: a Review for General Internists.
Annie Massart1,2, Daniel P Hunt3
1Division of Hospital Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. Amassa2@emory.edu.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|January 20, 2021
Summary
Chronic breathlessness significantly impacts quality of life. This review explores non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions to relieve persistent breathlessness in patients.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Internists commonly manage patients with breathlessness in various settings.
- Chronic refractory breathlessness persists despite optimal management of underlying conditions.
- Unmanaged breathlessness leads to diminished quality of life and increased healthcare utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on interventions for chronic refractory breathlessness.
- To summarize both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of current literature.
- Synthesis of recent research findings on breathlessness interventions.
Main Results:
- Identified various non-pharmacologic strategies for breathlessness relief.
- Highlighted available pharmacologic options for managing refractory breathlessness.
- Emphasized the importance of a multimodal approach to treatment.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of chronic breathlessness requires a comprehensive strategy.
- Both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions can improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols for refractory breathlessness.
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