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Dyspnea in Oncological Patients: a Brain Teaser
Kalliopi Keramida1, Athanasios Kostoulas2
1Cardiology Department, General Anti-Cancer Oncological Hospital, Agios Savvas Athens, Greece.
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is common in cancer patients, especially with lung cancer. Early screening and identifying reversible causes are key to managing this symptom effectively.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Symptom Management
Background:
- Dyspnea is a prevalent symptom in cancer patients, particularly those with lung cancer or advanced disease.
- Causes are multifactorial, including cancer itself, treatments like chemotherapy, and unrelated comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline screening, assessment, and management strategies for dyspnea in oncological patients.
- To emphasize the importance of identifying reversible causes and implementing appropriate interventions.
Main Methods:
- Routine screening using unidimensional scales and multidimensional tools is recommended for all cancer patients.
- Assessment involves identifying potentially reversible causes of dyspnea.
Main Results:
- Prompt identification and management of reversible causes are crucial.
- Symptomatic treatment, including non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches, is indicated when specific causes are not found.
Conclusions:
- Dyspnea management in cancer requires a systematic approach, starting with screening and reversible cause identification.
- Palliative care referral and palliative sedation are considered for patients with very limited life expectancy facing severe distress.
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