Cancer Treatment Side Effects & Supportive and Palliative Care
Breathlessness (Dyspnea)
Breathlessness or dyspnea is a very frequent symptom in people with cancer. Changes in breathing may be related to the direct pressure of a tumor on the airways, indirect effects such as the development of pneumonia or even related to side effects from radiation or chemotherapy treatment. In addition, anxiety can also affect breathing and trigger breathlessness, so it is important to know the causes of the symptom to identify the most appropriate treatment.
Acupuncture for breathlessness
Acupuncture has been shown to be helpful to manage breathlessness in people with cancer. It is well tolerated and effective, and currently used commonly in cancer care in UK.