Dyspnoea is a symptom commonly encountered in palliative care, especially with patients suffering from advanced cancer. An understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms that are understood to be associated with this symptom will enable health professionals to provide more appropriate management interventions. A review of the literature was undertaken to explore current knowledge on the causes and management of dyspnoea. This paper will describe the results of this review by giving an overview of the pathophysiology of dyspnoea, and discussing controversial treatment issues. Methods of assessment and the role of the nurse in managing this distressing symptom are also explored.
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Carol Birks (1997) studied this question.
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