April 4, 2011: The Canadian Thoracic Society released new guidelines on dyspnea treatment in people with advanced COPD. The guidelines are created for health-care professionals by health-care professionals who are experts in respiratory disease. They are designed to keep health-care professionals up to date on the most recent evidence about how to manage dyspnea in advanced COPD.
What is Dyspnea?
Dyspnea is a condition that occurs in people with advanced COPD. Dyspnea is when you have shortness of breath even while you are at rest. Many people talk about dyspnea as air hunger, or the feeling of having to breathe but unable to get enough air in each breath. The good news is that dyspnea can be treated. The Canadian Thoracic Society has released new guidelines to help treat those with dyspnea.
What is COPD?
COPD, also known as chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, is a chronic, progressive lung disease usually caused by smoking, but can also be caused by inherited conditions or occupational exposures. About 750,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with the disease; more people may have COPD but remain undiagnosed. Anyone who has smoked and had frequent respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, phlegm) or has frequent lung infections is at risk for developing COPD.
Where you can find more information
For Health Care Professionals
The new guideline, "Managing dyspnea in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A Canadian Thoracic Society clinical practice guideline", provides evidence-based recommendations on the management of dyspnea in patients with advanced COPD. It examines the effectiveness of a number of medications and therapies, including the following:
- Anxiolytic and antidepressant medications
- Opioids
- Nonpharmacological interventions (use of a fan, chest vibration techniques, pursed-lip breathing, meditation, relaxation therapy or behavioral techniques)
- Supplemental oxygen
To learn more about these new guidelines and other CTS guidelines visitwww.respiratoryguidelines.ca
For patients
If you have shortness of breath and you don’t know why, visit your doctor. To learn more about COPD and shortness of breath visit our COPD webpage and talk to your doctor about the new guidelines.
Why research is important?
Research builds excellence and leads to the development of effective medical guidelines that improve patient health.
Visit www.lung.ca/donate to help support medical research into the causes of lung disease, the discovery of new treatments and to give hope for a future free of lung disease.
About The Canadian Lung Association
Established in 1900, The Canadian Lung Association is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs, and advocacy on lung health issues. www.lung.ca
About The Canadian Thoracic Society
The Canadian Thoracic Society is a specialty society and the medical section of the Canadian Lung Association. The CTS promotes lung health by supporting the respiratory community through leadership, collaboration, research, education and advocacy, and promoting the best respiratory practices in Canada. www.lung.ca/cts
