Vandana Mahajan, Palliative Care Counselor, Cancer Counselor, Patient Advocate, and Cancer Survivor, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“When discussing different treatment options in lung cancer, it is equally important to acknowledge that there may come a time when disease-directed treatments are no longer effective or possible. During this phase, supportive and palliative care become extremely important for both the patient and the family.
Breathlessness (dyspnea) is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by patients with lung cancer. It can be frightening not only for the patient but also for caregivers and loved ones. Good symptom management can significantly reduce discomfort, improve quality of life, and ease anxiety for the entire family.
Dr. Avinash Tiwari explained several simple and practical measures that can help manage breathlessness.
Non-pharmacological measures:
- Use of hand-held fans
- A table fan directed toward the patient’s face
- Keeping windows open to improve airflow and ventilation
- Caregivers speaking gently and calmly to reassure the patient and reduce panic
These simple interventions can often provide meaningful relief.
Medical interventions
A palliative care physician can also help manage symptoms effectively through:
- Oxygen support when appropriate
- Low-dose morphine to ease the sensation of breathlessness
- Anxiolytic medications to reduce anxiety, which in turn can lessen breathlessness
- Physiotherapy and breathing exercises to strengthen lung function from the time of diagnosis
- Management of pleural fluid buildup, including procedures such as fluid tapping (drainage), which can significantly relieve breathing difficulty
Dr. Avinash Tiwari emphasized that even when curative treatment options are exhausted, families should not lose hope. A palliative care team can play a vital role not only in symptom management but also in providing emotional, psychological, and practical support to both patients and caregivers.
Thank you, Dr. Avinash Tiwari (Palliative Medicine), for a great session.”
Other articles featuring Vandana Mahajan on OncoDaily.