Shortness of Breath

Dashboard

Symptoms

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of BREATH
There are both medical and ‘non-medical’ causes for feeling short of breath

Common Medical causes
COPD exacerbation
Fluid build up from heart failure
Pneumonia/infection
Fever
Anemia

Common ‘Non-Medical’ causes
Untreated pain
Anxiety
Emotional/spiritual distress
Oxygen unit- not working, tubes kinked
Room too hot
Doing too much, lying flat instead of upright

Common Things to Try

Make sure oxygen is connected and flowing

Try pursed lip breathing –

⏯️ Video Link

Blow fan across face – this is very effective!!!
Elevate the head of the bed

What You Can Do

Relaxation techniques – music, quiet place, meditation

Talk with loved one, spiritual counselor, friend about how you are feeling

Medical Treatments
Opioids are very effective at relieving shortness of breath. The prescribed Opioid
medication can and should be used! Opioids can provide rapid relief. If using pill form,
within 30 min, liquid form can work within 5-10 min

If feeling anxious, use the prescribed anxiety medication – lorazepam (ativan)

Inhaler medications can be used if wheezing is present or if they have been used before
for breathing problems

When to Call the Hospice
Shortness of breath is increasing despite above measures

Oxygen unit is not working

Running low on medications – Opioids, anxiety medications, inhalers

Uncontrolled coughing