This document discusses various causes and treatments for dyspnea, or shortness of breath, in patients with advanced lung cancer. It outlines that dyspnea is usually multifactorial in these patients and many underlying causes are irreversible. It then describes treating any reversible conditions like pneumonia, malignant pleural effusions, central airway obstructions, or superior vena cava syndrome. Both non-pharmacological interventions like breathing exercises and cooling techniques as well as various pharmacological treatments including opioids, benzodiazepines, oxygen, heliox, and diuretics are mentioned as options to provide palliative relief for dyspnea in lung cancer patients.

1. Wissam Abouzgheib, MD, FCCP Pulmonary / Critical Care and Interventional Pulmonary Sparks Health System, Fort Smith, AR Dyspnea in Lung cancer

3. 56 y.o male presented with significant dyspnea and abnormal CXR

4. 56 y.o male presented with significant dyspnea and abnormal CXR

5. 56 y.o male presented with significant dyspnea and abnormal CXR

6. 56 y.o male presented with significant dyspnea and abnormal CXR

12. Etiologies Co-morbidities Cancer Treatment

19. Treatable conditions Malignant pleural effusion

34. Pharmacological management - Opioids Thorax. 2002 Nov;57(11):939-44. Review.

40. Thank you