Cancer and Shortness of Breath
Cancer and Shortness of Breath
If a patient experiences difficulty breathing, it may be due to insufficient oxygen in the body — for example, when the lungs are unable to take in enough air or the body cannot obtain adequate oxygen through gas exchange. Many other conditions can contribute to this problem, such as lung disease, airway obstruction, pneumonia (lung infection), weakened respiratory muscles, or obesity.
Shortness of breath may also result from pain, malnutrition, stress or anxiety, allergic reactions, surgery, anemia, tumors, side effects of cancer treatments (such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy), fluid buildup in the lungs, heart failure, or other underlying causes.
Possible Signs and Associated Symptoms
• Difficulty breathing at rest, while eating, talking, or exercising
• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Pale or bluish skin, nail beds, or lips
• Cold, clammy skin
• Flaring of the nostrils during inhalation
• Wheezing
What Patients Can Do
• Stay calm.
• Remain seated, or elevate the upper body to a 45° angle by raising the head of the bed or using pillows.
• Follow prescribed treatments, such as using oxygen, taking bronchodilators, or using an inhaler or nebulizer as directed.
• If your condition is stable, check your temperature and pulse rate.
• Practice breathing control: inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth — make the exhalation about twice as long as the inhalation.
• If breathing does not improve within 5 minutes, sit on the edge of the bed with your feet on a stool, rest your arms on a bedside table padded with pillows, and slightly lean your head forward.
• If you have cough or sputum, observe the amount, color, and odor of the sputum.
• If you can speak, describe your symptoms clearly to your healthcare team, especially if shortness of breath is affecting your daily activities.
• Try to relax your muscles to reduce anxiety, as anxiety can worsen breathing difficulties.
What Caregivers Can Do
• Check the patient’s pulse rate using a watch. Record the number of beats per minute (avoid letting the patient hear you count). At the same time, count the patient’s breathing rate per minute — do not tell them, as awareness may alter their breathing rhythm.
• Measure body temperature with a thermometer, or use your palm to feel the forehead or body for signs of fever.
• When shortness of breath occurs, help the patient loosen or remove tight clothing, especially around the neck.
• Allow the patient to rest in a comfortable sitting position.
• Remind the patient to breathe in slowly and deeply, then exhale slowly.
• Observe and record details about the breathing difficulty — such as when it occurs (during daily activities or at rest) and in which position (standing, sitting, or lying down).
• Ensure proper ventilation. Place the patient near an open window or use a fan to gently blow air toward their face.
• If oxygen is available at home, make sure you understand how to install and safely use the equipment, as well as the prescribed oxygen flow rate. Do not adjust the flow rate without consulting the oncology care team.
