Palliative care - shortness of breath

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When a person feels like he or she is not getting enough air or has trouble breathing, it is called shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is a feeling the patient tells you about, like pain. This may just be a problem when walking up stairs, or it may be so severe the person has trouble talking or eating.
Shortness of breath has many possible causes. These include:

Anxiety and fear
Panic attacks
A lung infection, like pneumonia or bronchitis
A lung illness, like emphysema
Problems with the heart, kidneys, or liver
Anemia
Constipation

Feeling short of breath is a common symptom at the end of life. Talk with your doctors and nurses so you are prepared if it occurs.
At the end of life, it is common to feel short of breath. You may or may not have this symptom. Talk to your nurse or doctor so you are prepared.