Management of severe chronic breathlessness

Chronic breathlessness is a major symptom of lung and cardiac diseases and may also be a significant symptom in cancer and other non-cardiorespiratory chronic disease. In severe or late-stage cardiac and respiratory disease, it is often a disabling symptom. Dr Scott Claxton, Respiratory Physician, Joondalup The experience of breathlessness can vary between patients even though they may have the same apparent severity of disease. In the patient with severe or late-stage lung disease (e.g. COPD or ILD) or heart failure, the severity of breathlessness can have a massive impact on quality of life. The approach and management of this symptom…