What are the next steps if a patient has shortness of breath?

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MikeRabowMD (Physician - Hospice / Palliative Care (Verified) ) - 05 / 18 / 2012

For shortness of breath, treating the underlying cause of the problem is best (eg antibiotics for pneumonia). However, treating the symptom itself (palliation of the symptom) is key as well. The mainstay of treatments for shortness of breath include medication as well as management of the anxiety that comes with shortness of breath. Morphine is the main medication that helps with shortness of breath (typically at doses much smaller than used for pain). Education, reassurance, group support and sedatives like Ativan can help with the anxiety. Supplemental oxygen can help for people who have low oxygen levels in their blood, but a fan, open window, or ride in the car with the windows open and air blowing on the face may be just as good for many.
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