Dyspnea at the end of life

Management

• Oxygen can help if hypoxic (he’s not)
• Air flow, such as with a fan, and other non-pharmacologic therapies such as positioning
• Oral and parenteral opioids
• Can try: puffers and steroids, if COPD exacerbation contributing
• Can try: benzos, if it is causing anxiety and has not responded to above

Further Reading

• BC Centre for Palliative Care Guidelines