What it is: Dyspnoea is when a person has trouble breathing or has shortness of breath.
Why it matters: Breathing difficulties are a common and distressing symptom in many advanced life-limiting diseases, and can cause significant disability, anxiety, and social isolation. Careworkers can help the older person by reporting signs of dyspnoea and keeping them calm and comfortable.
What I need to know: Breathing concerns:
- reduce quality of life
- affect emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing
- are made worse by fear and panic.
Treatment often requires a combination of measures. This includes medication and other forms of care.
People with dyspnoea get tired quickly and people who tire easily often complain of dyspnoea.
Dyspnoea in palliative care and at the end of life needs to be assessed by nursing staff.