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Palliative cancer care - dyspnoea - Management
Overview of management
- Assess the person to find whether investigations are indicated and whether the cause of the dyspnoea is reversible.
- Determine what management interventions are appropriate for the person's stage of illness:
- Use simple measures to reduce dyspnoea.
- Consider symptomatic treatment (symptom control can be used in conjunction with treatment for the underlying condition).
- Depending on what is considered appropriate, treat identified known causes, refer, or admit to hospital.
- Consider management of other physical symptoms, and take into account the psychological, social, and spiritual needs of the person and their family. For more information, see the CKS topic on Palliative cancer care - general issues.
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