The management of chronic breathlessness in patients with advanced and terminal illness

摘要

Breathlessness—the sensation of discomfort with breathing—is a major cause of impaired activity and suffering worldwide and is common among elderly people in the community and in people with advanced disease. Proper evaluation and treatment of breathlessness are vital to improve patients' quality of life. Importantly, the sensation of breathlessness that persists despite disease specific treatment can be relieved for many people. This review focuses on the management of refractory breathlessness, defined as breathlessness at rest or on limited exertion that persists despite optimal treatment of the underlying conditions, in advanced chronic disease, or towards the end of life.