• Can Fam Physician · Dec 2003

    Review

    An approach to dyspnea in advanced disease.

    • Romayne Gallagher.
    • Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. romayne@interchange.ubc.ca
    • Can Fam Physician. 2003 Dec 1; 49: 1611-6.

    IntroductionTo describe an approach to assessment and treatment of dyspnea.Sources Of InformationNew level I evidence can guide management of dyspnea in advanced illness. Assessment and use of adjuvant medications and oxygen relies on level II and III evidence.Main MessageOpioids are first-line therapy for managing dyspnea in advanced illness. They are safe and effective in reducing shortness of breath. Neuroleptics are useful adjuvant medications. Evidence does not support use of oxygen for every patient experiencing dyspnea; it should be tried for patients who do not benefit from first-line medications and nonmedicinal therapies.ConclusionOpioids relieve dyspnea and are indicated as first-line treatment for dyspnea arising from advanced disease of any cause.

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