Symptoms
The main symptom of dyspnea is labored breathing.
Other symptoms can co-occur with dyspnea and help describe the severity of the symptom.
These include:
Causes
The severity and duration of dyspnea can vary by the underlying cause.
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With lung cancer, there are many possibilities.
All possible causes should be explored during the diagnosis.
If not, you may be given drugs that relieve the symptom but mask the true underlying cause.
In some cases, shortness of breath may be an early sign of a serious condition.
Radiation Pneumonitis
Radiation pneumonitisis a common side effect of radiation therapy for lung cancer.
Shortness of breath is a common related feature.
This can lead to chronic shortness of breath and overall diminished lung function.
These clots can then break off and travel to the lungs, causing apulmonary embolism.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism may initially be mild but gradually progress.
It can also develop dramatically with severe and sudden shortness of breath and chest pain.
Pain, swelling, redness, and/or tenderness of the calves are also commonly noted.
Shortness of breath is a common feature of anemia, particularly when it is severe.
Anemia is readily treatable, even in the more advanced stages of lung cancer.
Drug Allergy
Many of the medications used to treat lung cancer can cause allergic reactions.
A drug allergy may be mild, causing itching, mild diffuse rash, and mild shortness of breath.
But it can also develop rapidly and lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known asanaphylaxis.
If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, and death.
Anxiety can amplify the sensation of breathlessness and vice versa.
Anxiety can often be treated withanxiolytic drugs or counseling.
This information offers insight on how well oxygen is being delivered and carbon dioxide is being removed from tissues.
MRIs are especially useful in imaging soft tissue, including smaller tumors.
Suspected pulmonary embolisms can be diagnosed with another imaging technique called aventilation-perfusion (VQ) scan.
If the healthcare provider suspects a tumor is obstructing an airway, abronchoscopymay be performed.
This involves the insertion of a flexible scope into the airways to directly view tissues.
The two are often related, but not always.
Some people can have low blood oxygen but not feel short of breath.
Others may report significant shortness of breath even if oxygen levels are normal.
Understanding the degree of dyspnea ensures that the best care is delivered.
If your symptoms are mild, your oncologist orprimary care physicianmay be able to manage or treat your symptoms.
Sometimes a stent will need to be placed to bypass the obstruction.
Pericardial effusions are managed in a similar way.
Treatment options include pericardiocentesis, in which fluid is withdrawn from the pericardial cavity.
For those who have COPD and lung cancer, oxygen therapy may improve survival.
Breathe Fresh Air
It is fairly obvious that people with dyspnea should avoid smoking orsecondhand smoke.
But there are other air quality issues that can impact your breathing both in and out of the home.
If you live in an urban area and have anair quality alert, stay indoors.
Shut all windows and doors, and use an air conditioner to regulate air temperature.
If it’s crucial that you go outdoors, wear a face mask.
Thebest air purifierscan remove 99% of airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns in size.
Avoid air fresheners, perfumes, and noxious fumes from household cleaners, paint, or varnish.
Prevent Infection
Infections such as the flu and pneumonia can worsen shortness of breath.
People with lung cancer need to be extra vigilant as their immune function may be significantly impaired by chemotherapy.
Examples include walking, dancing, or any activity that increases your heart rate.
You should ideally exercise three or more times per week, increasing the intensity and duration gradually.
Avoid over-exercising, which can lead to respiratory distress if you have diminished lung capacity or function.
Some people find that dairy products can worsen their shortness of breath due to the thickening of mucosal secretions.
Eating a smaller meal several times a day and taking small bites can also be beneficial.
Sleeping
Many people find that their shortness of breath increases when lying flat.
Sleeping at a 45-degree angle may help.
Instead of struggling with normal pillows, use awedge pillowto prop you up securely.
Sleeping in a cool room can also improve breathing.
Breathing Techniques
Breathing exercisescan be very helpful, especially if you also have COPD.
Psychiatrists can also prescribe anxiolytic or antidepressant medications if you need them.
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