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Management of Respiratory Symptoms in People with Cancer

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The MASCC Textbook of Cancer Supportive Care and Survivorship

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Abstract

Cancer-related respiratory symptoms are a burdensome constellation with substantial morbidity. Dyspnoea is a subjective experience of breathing discomfort that may be encountered anywhere across the cancer continuum and especially towards the end of life; dyspnoea can be addressed by treating the underlying disease or through global symptom-specific interventions aimed at reducing symptoms, increasing function, and improving quality of life. Options for the management of refractory breathlessness include opioids, oxygen, psychotropic drugs, inhaled frusemide, Heliox28, breathing techniques, and breathlessness clinics, although the evidence varies. Other respiratory symptoms such as cough, haemoptysis, pleural effusion, and hoarse voice also lead to increased cancer-patient distress and require similar systematic approaches for diagnosis, treatment planning, and review to reduce their burden.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University, Adelaide, 5041, South Australia

    David C. Currow

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  1. David C. Currow
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  2. Amy P. Abernethy
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Correspondence to David C. Currow .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Professor, Cancer Coucil Australia, University of Sydney Medical School, Surry Hills, 2010, New South Wales, Australia

    Ian N. Olver

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© 2010 Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine

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Currow, D.C., Abernethy, A.P. (2010). Management of Respiratory Symptoms in People with Cancer. In: Olver, I. (eds) The MASCC Textbook of Cancer Supportive Care and Survivorship. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1225-1_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1225-1_12

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