CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Management
What simple measures can I advise to manage breathlessness for people with end-stage COPD?
- Advise the person on the following simple measures to manage breathlessness.
- Sitting in front of a fan or open window (or using a hand-held fan).
- Positioning
- For example, advise the person to sit or stand leaning forward (for example onto a table or the back of a chair) and supporting their weight with their arms and upper body.
- Pursed-lip breathing
- Advise the person to inhale through the nose and then exhale slowly, for 4–6 seconds, through pursed lips.
- Other simple measures, not specific to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but recommended in the section on Simple measures to help dyspnoea in the CKS topic on Palliative cancer care - dyspnoea, may be useful for people with COPD.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement