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Shortness of breath is a common symptom of advanced illness and can result in panic and anxiety in patients and their families. This can annoy people even at rest or during light activities at home. With our aging population and increasing multi-morbidity, the number of people affected by the shortness of breath in the world will increase.
Posted today in the journal ThoraxThe study combined the results of existing research to better understand "holistic" services for people with advanced illness and shortness of breath. These services are aimed at improving a person's ability to live with and manage their shortness of breath by placing the person before their illness. They do this by providing information and education, psychological support and encouraging self-management strategies that patients and their caregivers can continue to use.
There is no approved medication for shortness of breath, but medication-free treatments, such as breathing exercises or the use of a portable ventilator, can be used wisely. These and the philosophy of palliative care focused on quality of life are brought together in these "holistic" services.
The researchers found that patients who used these services were less anxious and depressed due to shortness of breath. In the interviews, interviewees reported feeling better controlled and more confident in managing their shortness of breath, were less isolated and able to resume their daily activities. Patients and their caregivers, including their families, expressed appreciation for personalized education that allowed them to better understand their shortness of breath. They particularly appreciated the simple management advice and the expert staff who took an approach worthy of their care.
Dr. Matthew Maddocks, lead author of King's College London, said: "By using shortness of breath as an indicator of the burden of disease, these services allow experts from different specialties to take charge of managing symptoms. and concerns using a person-centered approach, a range of benefits and allows us to understand what patients and their families value most about value. "
Professor Irene Higginson, director of the Cicely Saunders Institute of King's College London and co-author of the research, said: "This work is part of our program to fight against the shortness of breath. is such a neglected and scary symptom, imagine if every breath took panic and fear and you thought you could not breathe.
"These services offer simple, generally drug-free approaches, such as information cards and home-based crisis plans, practical aids and counseling, and support for the whole person." and his family through palliative care. major difference to the quality of life of many millions of people in the UK ".
Margaret Ogden, a patient and public advocate for the project, said, "With my illness, shortness of breath is the main symptom and the most problematic for me." My mother also suffered from shortness of breath – she had cancer in her heart. And my 90-year-old uncle currently has asbestos in the lungs – it's such a debilitating symptom that has a huge impact on the quality of life. mitigate the impact would have been of great help to me and my family "
Explore further:
Shortness of breath: the hidden health problem leaving millions of people in difficulty
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